In a recent interview with Geordie Boot Boys, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Newcastle United are big admirers of Barcelona winger Raphinha. Bailey said,
“If Williams does go to Barcelona, it brings up the Raphinha situation.
“He has been offered around so keep an eye on him. Newcastle like him. He’s 27-years-old which is a great age, and a proven Premier League performer. He’s a fascinating option for Newcastle and a few others.
“He’s a saleable asset and they [Barcelona] are ready to finance Williams by using him.”
Raphinha’s Impressive Run Of Form In Spanish Football
Raphinha is having a decent campaign at the Nou Camp as he has managed to put in a series of impressive displays for them out on the flanks. The Brazilian wide player has scored ten goals and grabbed 12 assists in 36 appearances for Barcelona this season on all fronts.
The 27-year-old has been a reliable performer in the opposition half based on his average of 2.1 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing possession in the final third after making 80.4% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Will Raphinha Bring To Newcastle United?
Raphinha is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make a few promising runs with the ball out on the flanks. He has got the eye to set up a few decent chances for his teammates on the offensive third of the field and can shoot the ball with venom and precision from long range.
The Brazilian wing wizard has done well to contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals for Barcelona this season. He already knows Premier League football well from his time at Leeds United and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Newcastle United if Eddie Howe can find a way to get him on board later this summer.
At 27, Raphinha is about to enter his prime soon. We can expect him to bring a lot of firepower to the Tyneside club‘s attack. He is good enough to help the Magpies compete across all competitions over the next few years. Thus, Howe should focus on recruiting him soon.
