Newcastle United could land long-term La Liga target as Saudi interest is confirmed

Newcastle United could be offered an opportunity to land one long-term target during the summer transfer window as Barcelona continue to battle against their financial struggles.

The Catalan giants have endured an ongoing battle with their finances in recent years as a number of high-profile stars have left the club over the last three seasons. Barca will look to boost their ranks at the end of the season and ensure a new manager is able to build upon the work of club legend Xavi after he confirmed he will step down during the summer.

One player that could make way for new arrivals is former Leeds United winger Raphinha, who has endured mixed fortunes in Catalonia since he joined Barca in a £55m deal during the summer of 2022. Despite becoming a La Liga champion during his first year with the club, the 20-times capped Brazil international has been repeatedly linked with a move back to the Premier League and Newcastle have been mentioned as a possible destination.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has suggested Raphinha could be one player allowed to leave the club this summer and revealed Barca ‘have to sell’ some of their stars as they attempt to remain within the boundaries of financial fair play regulations.

He said: “We’ve heard a lot of stories about Raphinha’s future almost ever since he first joined Barcelona from Leeds. Much of it was just normal speculation, but now things could change this summer. My information is that Raphinha could be one of the players targeted by clubs in the summer and at some point, Barca will have to sell some players because of Financial Fair Play. Saudi interest was there already last summer, but from England too. Still, no decision has been made on Raphinha just yet, but let’s see what happens as interest is there and some sales will be needed.”

Raphinha will be back in action on Friday night when Barcelona look to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a home win against Real Mallorca.