Barcelona have gone back to the 1:1 rule so they are now frantically trying to offload high-value players in order to raise transfer funds. And one of the bigger names who has just been put up for sale is Raphinha.
Barcelona had paid €58 million to sign him from Leeds United but after just two years, Deco and co are planning to cash in on him because the club is in dire need of funds. As per rumours, Raphinha does not want to leave as he is very happy at Camp Nou but there’s a major chance that the club is going to push him out before deadline day.
Raphinha has no shortage of takers with Al Hilal being the biggest admirer of the Brazilian international and along with the Saudi club, Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 27-year-old. As per Mundo Deportivo, Al Hilal coach Jorge Jesus has reached out to Barcelona’s management expressing his desire to sign the winger.
Are Barcelona quoting too much for Raphinha?
According to reports, even though Barcelona value the winger, they are ready to offload him if one of the interested clubs is willing to pay at least €90 million.
Some might think this is a very steep and unrealistic demand from Barca but the 27-year-old still has three more years remaining in his contract and just two years ago, the club had paid around €58 million to sign him from Leeds.
Barcelona will look to make as much profit as possible and since Raphinha’s current market value is €55 million, the Catalans’ demand is nothing too crazy.
Will the winger return to England or join Al Hilal?
There have been rumours that Raphinha does not want to play in the Saudi Pro League and if he does have to leave Spain, he will prefer going back to the league where he is most familiar with.
Chelsea and Spurs are both cash-rich clubs but it remains to be seen if either of the two London sides is willing to pay €90 million for the right-winger.
Spurs hardly spend so much money on a single player and if Barcelona do not lower their demands then we believe Postecoglou will be more than happy to put his faith in Kulusevski for one more season. The manager has to bring in a new striker and a couple of new midfielders with the utmost priority and amidst this, we don’t think Levy will want to spend so much money on Raphinha.
Palmer played several games as a right-winger in the previous season but he is a natural attacking midfielder and if the new Chelsea manager wants to use Cole Palmer in the No 10 role next season then the Blues might go out and meet Barcelona’s demands. Under Boehly, the Blues have made all sorts of crazy signings so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they are willing to dig deep into their pockets for the Barca winger.
As of now, Al Hilal are the best shot Barcelona have if they want to sell Raphinha for a premium transfer fee but if the Brazilian international is reluctant to move to the Middle East then all eyes will be on Chelsea’s movements.
