As Barcelona scramble to resolve their Financial Fair Play problems, it is clear that they need to make at least one big sale in the summer in order to help balance their books.
And, according to Joaquim Piera of SPORT, it is increasingly looking like Raphinha will be the one that Barcelona could show the doors to this summer, amid strong interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Raphinha joined the club only last year from Leeds United, arriving in a deal worth €58 million plus another €7 million in add-ons. Given that only a part of his transfer fee has been amortised, Barça need a big offer for them to make a net profit from his exit.
And, it seems like Chelsea and Newcastle United could provide them with just that as the Premier League duo is keen on taking the Brazilian winger back to English shores.
It is said that Barcelona want around €80 million for Raphinha, which would ensure a considerable net profit for the club and they are now waiting for a potential bidding war between Chelsea and Newcastle United.
The player, for his part, had grown into a regular in the second half of the season. However, with Ousmane Dembele being the preferred option on the right wing and the possibility of Lionel Messi returning, he feels that his importance within the squad would reduce next season.
As such, even though he had been reluctant initially, Raphinha is now understood to be open to offers. A return to England seems the likeliest avenue with Chelsea and Newcastle United being the protagonists in the race.
Chelsea had tried to sign the 26-year-old last summer as well, but were beaten to the punch by Barcelona. As for Newcastle, they will be playing Champions League football next season in all likelihood and wish to add a quality player to their ranks.
Barcelona will wait until the La Liga title is won to initiate negotiations, but as things stand, Raphinha could very well be on his way back to the Premier League should offers of around €80 million arrive. Source: barcauniversal.com
