Newcastle United can sign Premier League ‘world-beater’ for £45m after fresh price tag set

Barcelona have reduced their demands for Brazil international Raphinha to £45million, according to reports.

Newcastle United have been linked with the winger several times since the Saudi-backed takeover. In 2022, after Leeds United narrowly avoided relegation, the Magpies were poised to swoop.

But Barca came calling and, like many South Americans, he went to fulfil his “dream” at the Camp Nou. However, the 27-year-old has endured a mixed time in Catalonia and could reportedly be sold.

Raphinha has an impressive 45 goal contributions in 87 games but fitness issues have plagued his time in La liga. Throw Lamine Yemal - the new poster boy of Spanish football - into the mix and it is easy to see why the former Leeds man has become surplus to requirements.

Earlier this summer, Raphinha, who has three years remaining on his current deal, outlined his desire to stay at Barca. He told reporters: “I have a few more years on my contract and I plan to fulfil them, I have already said many times that signing for Barcelona was a dream, and I will do everything possible to stay here for many years.”

But reports in Spain now claim the Catalans would accept £45million for the ex-Premier League star. That is considerably lower than the €80million to £100 million previously reported.

Newcastle have prioritised a right-sided attacker to replace Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy but their funds may be tight should they sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The revised price tag could appeal to Toon chiefs, who have admired Raphinha since the takeover.