Raphinha transfer twist as Leeds United rival plans ‘£44m summer bid’

Former Leeds United star Raphinha is already being linked with a return to the Premier League. The Brazilian winger enjoyed a successful spell at Elland Road, guiding the club to Premier League safety with his impressive form last season. That earned him a first-rate transfer over the summer, with the winger joining Barcelona for a reported fee of £55million, £49million of which was reported to be upfront.

Since then, the 26-year-old has played an important role at Camp Nou, with Barcelona taking sole control of top spot in La Liga. Raphinha has scored eight goals across all competition from out wide, making 23 appearances in La Liga alone. Despite that, the former Leeds star is now being linked with a move away from Catalonia.

According to El Desmarque, Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Raphinha, believing they may be able to tempt the winger back to England with an offer worth around £49million. That would give Barcelona a chance to quickly make their money back, but the timing of the report is a little convenient.

Raphinha recently reacted poorly to being substituted by Xavi Hernandez, though it’s likely the incident will go on to be water under the bridge as Barca look to claim the La Liga title. It would be a huge surprise if Barca were to cash in, especially given how they have had to rely on Raphinha heavily in recent weeks due to Ousmane Dembélé’s injury.

Not only that, but Barca are not in a position - financially speaking - where they can quickly source a replacement, likely having to pay more than £49million to sign a top-level winger this summer. As for Newcastle, they may well look to strengthen out wide this summer, but they are surely going to have to offer Barcelona a deal where they make a quick profit on Raphinha for them to consider a deal this soon.