Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Raphinha and his situation at Barcelona ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Magpies have a track record when it comes to signing players from fellow English clubs that have experience of playing in the Premier League.
Now though, the Toon have set their sights on signing a player that recently left England for a new adventure abroad.
According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have their eyes on Raphinha and have already made contact with his representatives over a potential summer transfer move for him.
The report also adds that the winger could be one of Barcelona’s most valuable assets to sell this summer should they need to raise funds to help their financial situation.
After scoring 17 goals and delivering 12 assists in 67 appearances for Leeds United, the 26-year-old joined Barcelona during the previous summer transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £55m.
Since then, the Brazilian has made 37 appearances for Xavi’s side across all competitions, finding the net nine times and providing the same number of assists.
Across his 24 La Liga appearances, the attacker has made more passes into the penalty area (50) at Barcelona as well as delivering more crosses (104) than any other player at the club.
Would you take Raphinha at Newcastle?
Yes
No
His overall performances have earned the Brazil international a season rating of 7.03/10 from WhoScored, making him the fifth-highest player currently at the Spanish club.
Described as an “electric” player by journalist Daniel Austin, it’s easy to see why the former Leeds star is on Newcastle’s radar, especially if the Tyneside club want to strengthen their squad in the summer should they secure European football for next season.
Moving forward, if an opportunity to bring Raphinha back to the Premier League were to present itself during the next summer transfer window, we feel that Newcastle and PIF should do all they can to bring the winger to St. James’ Park.