Barcelona Turned Down A £51.4 Million Offer For Raphinha From A Premier League Club.
Barcelona reportedly declined an offer of €60 million (£51.4 million) to part ways with Raphinha, who previously played for Leeds United in the English Premier League. During his two-year tenure in the English top flight, Raphinha played a pivotal role in Leeds’ survival, contributing 17 goals and 12 assists.
In the summer of 2022, Raphinha attracted interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur, but he chose to depart English football for a fresh challenge in La Liga.
Although the 27-year-old hasn’t dazzled since joining Barcelona, he has maintained a solid record of 19 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances, including winning the La Liga title in his debut season with the club.
Raphinha’s performance in the 2023-24 season has been positive, with nine goals in 32 matches, including three goals across two legs of the Champions League quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain, along with providing 10 assists.
Barcelona has set an asking price for Raphinha amid speculation about his future. Despite Gavi’s ACL injury and Joao Felix’s decline in form, Raphinha has secured regular starts on the left side recently, although he has started in only 13 La Liga matches this season.
While the Brazil international’s contract runs until 2027, he has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with an unnamed club making a €60 million (£51.4 million) bid. However, Barcelona rejected the offer but indicated they would consider selling Raphinha for €80 million (£68.5 million).
Despite Raphinha’s contributions, Barcelona also has Ferran Torres as an option on the left wing and is working to extend Atletico Madrid loanee Felix’s stay beyond this season. Additionally, Barcelona is under pressure to make significant sales, making a move back to England a possibility for Raphinha.
Considering Raphinha’s talents, several Premier League teams could benefit from his skills.
Although the report does not specify the team behind the unsuccessful bid for the winger, his skill, adaptability, and goal-scoring ability would undoubtedly attract several Big Six clubs.
Both North London rivals, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, are reportedly monitoring his situation, especially following their disappointments in 2022. It’s clear why these two capital clubs are interested in adding him to their squads.
Arsenal lacks a Premier League-proven option on the right flank to support Bukayo Saka, while Tottenham may let Bryan Gil go and are uncertain about signing Timo Werner permanently from RB Leipzig.
Manchester United’s interest has also been mentioned, particularly due to the ongoing Jadon Sancho situation. However, if Erik ten Hag departs this summer, Sancho might consider a fresh start at Old Trafford.
Should Mohamed Salah leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Raphinha could be a natural replacement on the right flank. However, at present, Liverpool doesn’t seem to have serious interest in the 27-year-old.
