Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton respond to Raphinha’s message amid Newcastle interest
Newcastle United could sign one of the best players in the world if they make good on their interest in Barcelona talisman Raphinha.
The Magpies face a one-game shout-out with four other teams on the final day of the Premier League season this weekend with a Champions League place at stake, and the financial windfall this would bring.
Eddie Howe‘s side sit third in the table and will be better placed than Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest to qualify ahead of the final day, if Bournemouth can beat City on Tuesday.
Champions League qualification will boost Newcastle’s ambition to retain Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes this summer, and open the door to a significant summer of transfer spending.
Man City’s former financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Newcastle will target clubs who are “desperate” to sell for PSR purposes, and one of those could be the new LaLiga champions.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
Howe is well-placed to lead Newcastle to the Champions League (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Newcastle players react to Raphinha message at Barcelona
Raphinha has long since been a transfer target at St. James’ Park as Newcastle look to complete an all-star frontline next to Isak and Anthony Gordon, despite the perfromances of Jacob Murphy this season.
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Newcastle were one of several clubs to submit approaches for Raphinha last summer amid financial difficulties at Barcelona, but the Brazilian stayed put and has since taken his career to all-new heights.
Player Appearances Starts Goals Assists Yellow Cards
Raphinha 56 42 34 25 7
Raphinha’s form has exploded at Barcelona this season
With 34 goals and 25 assists across 56 appearances in all competitions this season, Raphinha has co-captained Barcelona to a dominant LaLiga title win, and posted on Instagram (19 May) amid the celebrations.
In a post liked by Magpies duo Guimaraes and Joelinton, the Barcelona number 11’s six-word message said: “The best club in the world.”
Newcastle shouldn’t give up hope in Raphinha transfer chase
Although Raphinha‘s form this term has made him one of the most valuable players on the planet, Barcelona’s financial issues haven’t faded completely and this could open the door for Newcastle.
Raphinha rejected a £90million move to the Saudi Pro League last summer and this season’s form has justified that decision, but Barcelona remain open to the sales of their best players such as Dani Olmo.
Newcastle plan to raise funds this summer with the sales of squad players like Sean Longstaff, and if that transfer kitty is boosted by a Champions League windfall, a sensational move for Raphinha may not be out o
f the question.
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