According to sources in Spain, Barcelona might consider selling Raphinha during the summer transfer window if they were offered €80 million (£69.4 million).
The Brazil international has contributed significantly to Barca’s season thus far, tallying 15 assists and 25 goals in both La Liga and the Champions League. There are still two years left on Raphinha’s current Barcelona contract, and negotiations have started to find a new one.
However, Raphinha’s representatives are asking for a bigger wage than Barca is willing to give, according to Catalunya Radio. Deco, Barca’s sports director, has reportedly suggested selling Raphinha to a team that could pay the 28-year-old’s salary demands if a bid of between €80 million and €90 million [£69.4 million and £78.1 million] is made.
According to reports, Raphinha has already been approached to join the Saudi Pro League, but the Brazilian is unlikely to consider relocating to the Middle East until at least after the 2026 World Cup.
Barcelona tease Raphinha suitors by tantalising asking price
Barcelona’s asking price for the player may now spark a bidding war, particularly in the Premier League, where teams like Chelsea, United, and Arsenal have been expressing a lot of interest.
It’s true that both London teams made an attempt to get Raphinha from Leeds in 2022; Chelsea even agreed to pay £55 million for the winger. The Brazilians always preferred to wait for a move to Catalonia, though.
One of European football’s top players, who may potentially be named the world’s finest player, is still up in the air as to what will happen to him this summer. Before accepting the position at Barcelona, Deco played for Raphinha. Edu, who was then Arsenal’s sporting director, acknowledged that he approached Deco.
Chelsea and Leeds reached a £55 million agreement for Raphinha, but the Brazilian refused to give up on Barcelona’s desire to join the Catalan team. It is believed that Chelsea and Arsenal will both be looking to add a versatile attacker this summer.
