Barcelona wants to sell Raphinha for €70 million for his weak start but he is not willing to leave Barcelona:
Spanish giants Barcelona are currently looking to sell Brazilian winger Raphinha in the upcoming January transfer window following his underwhelming performances since his big-money move from Leeds United last summer. Barcelona paid around £55 million to get Brazilian star from Leeds United.
However, the 25-year-old has struggled to replicate his Premier League form at Barcelona, managing just 2 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances across competitions this season.
As per multiple reports, Barcelona have now set an asking price of €70 million for Raphinha after previous attempts to sell him in the summer window for a staggering €100 million valuation failed. Top Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United thought the price was too high.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha is reluctant to leave Barcelona but the club are determined to cash in on him in January to ease their ongoing financial issues. Raphinha is attracting significant interest from several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, who are reportedly keen to secure his signature during the upcoming January transfer window. Newcastle, backed by their wealthy Saudi Arabian owners, are eager to strengthen their squad with high-profile signings.
Chelsea have also reignited their interest in Raphinha after missing out on him last summer. As per CaughtOffside, the Blues see him as a cheaper alternative to their primary right-wing targets like Rafael Leao and Rodrigo De Paul. A return to England seems likely for the Brazilian.
Manchester United’s interest mentioned by some outlets is unrealistic they are currently considering their financial issues and instability, as per transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio. As Barcelona look to freshen up their squad, due to Raphinha’s hesitancy to depart and the club’s financial constraints, the winter transfer window will be dominated by discussions over his future. This could result in a tense negotiation period with prospective buyers.
With Raphinha failing to establish himself as a guaranteed starter under Xavi this season, his high wages are also a concern for Barcelona’s rapidly growing expenses. As per Football Espana, his salary is around €7 million per year currently. Barcelona will be more eager to sell Raphinha in January if he perform average this season and feel they no longer have to pay him high salary.
Where he ends up playing next season will be interesting to see. Raphinha burst onto the scenes at Leeds after moving from Rennes in 2020, notching 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 games under Marcelo Bielsa. He will be hoping to recapture that form and consistency wherever he lands up next.
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According to Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha is not interested in a move to any club where he won’t be a guaranteed starter. This further complicates Barcelona’s plans to offload him in January. The winger is unwilling to be a squad player or rotation option at his next club.
Raphinha’s agent Deco has been reportedly reaching out to potential clubs to assess their interest and guarantee Raphinha’s playing time. Chelsea and Arsenal seem like front-runners currently to secure a winter deal. Newcastle United remains a potential destination for Raphinha if they can guarantee him a regular spot in their starting lineup.
According to Sport, Barcelona is open to a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause next summer if it facilitates Raphinha’s departure in January. The club’s financial situation means they cannot afford to keep the Brazilian’s in high wages despite weak start of the season.
Ousmane Dembele had a good start at Barcelona but he left for PSG, and Ansu Fati close to a return, Xavi’s abundance of options in wide areas has pushed Raphinha down the pecking order. His departure would free up significant wages for Barcelona to reinvest in more pressing positions in 2023.
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