Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a summer move for Barcelona winger Raphinha, who is also understood to be on the radar of Liverpool.
Raphinha, 27, has been linked with a return to the Premier League for some time now. The Brazil international joined Barcelona from Leeds United for £55m in 2022, and after helping the Blaugrana win the La Liga title in his debut season, he hasn’t managed to transform that form into this campaign. He has failed to cement his place in Xavi Hernandez’s first XI, managing only eight league starts before suffering a muscle injury in January.
Barcelona are going through financial problems and could use the funds from Raphinha’s sale to balance their books as well as improve the squad at the end of the season, even though the player is happy at the club and wants to stay. Tottenham are keeping tabs on the Brazilian winger’s situation at Barcelona. They have reportedly offered €70 million for the player and are waiting for the La Liga champions to respond.
Tottenham make offer for Raphinha
Raphinha has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of the fans and pundits alike ever since he joined Barcelona from Leeds in 2022. Thus, it wouldn’t be surprising if the La Liga giants sanctioned his sale in the summer, owing to their chronic financial instability.
Tottenham have already made an offer to Barcelona, as Ange Postecoglou looks to shape his squad for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Brazil international has four goals and seven assists in 20 games across all competitions this season, and he could prove to be a fine addition to the Spurs attack. The north London club have performed very well in Ange Postecoglou’s first season so far, but they require more quality and depth in their squad to challenge for major honours.
Certainly, Raphinha will help Spurs improve going forward as well as add quality depth to their squad.
The 27-year-old had two exciting years with Leeds United in the Premier League, catching the eye with his speed, dribbling skills, movement and flair. Due to his previous experience in the Premier League, he should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact at Spurs. The ex-Rennes man can operate on either flank and would compete with the likes of Son Heung-min, Manor Solomon, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski for a spot in the starting XI.
Having made their first move to sign Raphinha, Tottenham must now wait for Barcelona’s response and hope Liverpool don’t enter the race.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.