Barcelona might be planning to offer Raphinha in a swap deal for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as per reports in Spain[h/t Football 365].
Hansi Flick has taken over as the new manager of Barcelona and he has asked Deco and the management to try and sign Kobbie Mainoo which is why the Spanish side are going to try and initiate a swap deal.
Kobbie Mainoo has been a sensation this season and the 19-year-old is easily the find of the campaign, not only in the Premier League but all across Europe. The youngster has received praise from every corner and his impact has been such that Southgate had no other option but to call him up for the European Championship.
Raphinha, on the other hand, has also had a pretty solid tournament but Barcelona’s poor finances have forced the club to put him up for sale and teams like Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with the Brazilian international.
Will Man United agree to let go of Kobbie Mainoo?
This was the first senior season for Kobbie Mainoo and the midfielder has been a regular starter from the very first matchweek since he returned from his injury setback.
He has started 24 league games this season and despite having Casemiro, the academy graduate was miles ahead of the Brazilian legend. In his 1939 league minutes, Mainoo won almost 60% of his tackles, 22 interceptions along with 96 recoveries. As per Fotmob, he has a rating of 6.95 out of 10, which is sensational for a 19-year-old.
It doesn’t matter if Erik ten Hag is sacked or whether he remains in charge, there’s no way Manchester United are going to part ways with Mainoo.
Man United do need a new right-winger because they are likely going to sell Antony but it’s unthinkable that they will be tempted to sign Raphinha in an exchange deal for Kobbie Mainoo.
No doubt, Barcelona are coming up with brave ideas but United would much rather spend €60-70 million on a new winger rather than part ways with their academy sensation.
Is Raphinha set to remain at Barcelona?
Raphinha is valued at €50 million and even though the Kobbie Mainoo swap deal is not going to see the light of the day, the Brazilian is most likely going to leave Barcelona.
Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the winger’s situation and they will be more than willing to spend around €55-60 million on him.
Barcelona are set to get back to the 1:1 rule which is why they need to generate at least €100 million during the summer and players like Raphinha, Araujo and Jules Kounde can help bring in the maximum amount of money.
Arsenal are looking to add competition down the right-hand side by signing Raphinha so that transfer won’t tempt the Brazilian too much but if Mo Salah leaves Liverpool for a move to the Saudi Pro League then the Barcelona man can easily go and slot in as the long-term replacement.
Tottenham have also been named as one of the suitors but at this moment, they are below both Liverpool and Arsenal in the pecking order.
Barca are hoping against hope that Man United agree to send Kobbie Mainoo to Camp Nou but that’s never going to happen so they will most likely have to wait for Liverpool or Arsenal to make a formal move for the ex-Leeds man.
