Man City are revamping its squad, and according to a report in El Nacional(h/t TeamTalk), Pep Guardiola wants to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha to his new-look team next season.
Raphinha had an average start to his career in Spain but under Hansi Flick, the Brazilian international has become a proper beast. During the summer, Barca had even put him up for sale but Flick fought hard to keep him and now that faith has paid off.
The 28-year-old is firing on all cylinders which is why Manchester City are tempted to bring him back to the Premier League. While Barca are not against the idea of cashing in on the attacker, they will only let him leave if Man City or someone else is willing to pay around €100 million.
Should Man City think of paying so much for Raphinha?
Raphinha’s two great seasons with Leeds United helped him join Barcelona in 2022 and to date, he has made 76 goal contributions in just 116 appearances for the club.
This season, he’s scored a staggering 20 goals in 29 appearances and in the league, Raphinha has an xG of 12.10. He’s scored 11 league goals from just 27 shots on target and on top of that, the winger has also created 64 major chances.
His numbers are absolutely eye-popping and there’s no way Hansi Flick will want him sold after such a brilliant season. However, if Man City are ready to pay €100 million, Barcelona won’t be able to resist a sale.
The winger’s current valuation is €80 million so €100 million is a pretty fair demand and a team like City won’t mind paying up.
Manchester City are reportedly planning to sell Jack Grealish following his struggles to meet expectations and the funds generated from the English winger’s sale will be of major help in the pursuit of Raphinha.
Grealish has been in really poor form this season but City should still be able to fetch €50-60 million.
Just a few years ago, €100 million was a lot of money but in today’s time, Manchester City won’t mind paying up. To put things into context, in 2021, the Cityzens had paid €117.5 million for Jack Grealish but right now, the England international is valued at only €45 million.