Newcastle United make £70m offer for former Leeds United star previously eyed by Arsenal and Chelsea

The Magpies are believed to be keen to add the winger to their squad this summer.
By Mark Carruthers
Published 3rd May 2023, 11:57 BST
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Newcastle United have reportedly made a move to kickstart their summer transfer business by making a ‘verbal offer’ for Barcelona winger Raphinha - and La Liga are said to have been made aware of the bid as they monitored the financial situation at the Camp Nou.

There have been some suggestions the Brazil international is unhappy with his role in the Barcelona side, with head coach Xavi using him on the left-hand side of a front three, rather than his preferred right. Yet recent quotes from the former World Cup winner suggest that feeling is not mutual after he praised the former Leeds United winger for his performances throughout his first season at the Camp Nou.

Raphinha was only with the club for a short time, but he made a big impact. Not only that, but the Brazilian joined for £17million and left for more than double that amount.Raphinha was only with the club for a short time, but he made a big impact. Not only that, but the Brazilian joined for £17million and left for more than double that amount.
Raphinha was only with the club for a short time, but he made a big impact. Not only that, but the Brazilian joined for £17million and left for more than double that amount.
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Speaking over the weekend as his side close in on the La Liga title, Xavi said: "Raphinha is having a great season and will continue to be important. I told him so personally the other day. I'm very happy with him. Furthermore, he doesn't think the return of (Ousmane) Dembélé could detract too much from his role. They can play together."

Yet speculation over a possible summer departure have persisted in recent weeks and Reshad Rahman of Jijantes FC has claimed the Magpies have now made a verbal offer of around £70m for Raphinha which ‘is included in Barcelona’s economic plan’ and La Liga are aware of the offer as they assess the Catalan giant’s financial issues ahead of the new season.

The Magpies are believed to be targeting a winger this summer and their interest in Raphinha is believed to pre-date his move to Barcelona last summer after he impressed during his time in the Premier League with Leeds United. After moving to Elland Road in a move from French club Rennes in October 2020, the 16-times capped Brazil international went on to score 17 goals and provide 12 assists in 67 appearances in all competitions for the Whites.

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Related topics:RaphinhaLeeds UnitedBarcelona

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