Speaking on a recent edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rouke mentioned that Newcastle United are keen admirers of Barcelona winger Raphinha. It has been stated that the Magpies are eyeing a move to bring the Brazilian wide player to St. James’ Park this summer.
Raphinha’s Impressive Form At The Nou Camp
Raphinha enjoyed a brilliant campaign at the Catalan club after he put in a series of impressive displays for them on the offensive third of the field. The 27-year-old scored ten times and secured 13 assists in 37 matches for Barcelona last season on all fronts.
The Brazilian talent was a decent contributor in the final third based on his average of 2.1 shots, 1.5 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in La Liga. He was even accurate when distributing the ball, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 80.9% in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Nou Camp will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for the Magpies to snap him up on a cut-price deal this month.
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Move In For Raphinha?
Raphinha can use his quickness to make some dangerous runs with the ball out on the flanks. He can strike the ball with power and precision from long range and has got the eye to set up a few decent plays for others around him in the final third.
The Brazilian talent mainly operates as a right-winger but can also play as a left-sided wide player if needed. He has already got some Premier League experience under his belt from his time at Leeds United and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Newcastle United if Eddie Howe can devise a way to get a deal done for him this summer.
We can expect Raphinha to bring more firepower to the Tyneside club‘s attack. Furthermore, he would help the Magpies compete across all competitions over the next few years. At 27, the Brazil international is about to enter his prime which makes him a good option for Newcastle to consider this off-season. Therefore, Howe would be wise to move in for him in this transfer period.
