Chelsea and Newcastle United keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha | OneFootball

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Football Today

·13 March 2023

Chelsea and Newcastle United keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha

Article image:Chelsea and Newcastle United keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha

Brazilian winger Raphinha could be set for a return to the Premier League this summer, reports Spanish outlet Sport.

Raphinha is in his debut season at Barcelona, having signed from Leeds United last summer for an estimated £50 million.


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In 31 appearances in all competitions, he has scored seven goals and assisted a further seven, helping his side to a healthy nine-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Article image:Chelsea and Newcastle United keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha

However, while La Blaugrana are impressing on the pitch, they have endless worries off it. They are struggling to comply with La Liga’s financial rules and must offload some first-team players to bring new ones in.

Right now, it is unclear who will be on the chopping block, but many people believe that Raphinha could be one of the first to go. Neither the player nor the club want a sale, but they may be forced into it.

If he leaves Camp Nou, a return to the Premier League could be on the cards. According to Sport, Chelsea and Newcastle United are keeping an eye on his situation in Catalonia.

The Blues were heavily interested in the Brazilian last summer, reportedly reaching an agreement with Leeds. However, the player opted for a move to Barcelona.

They have since brought in several new players, including three wingers. Raheem Sterling arrived in the summer, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke were signed in January.

Already possessing an overcrowded squad, Chelsea are expected to sell several players at the end of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic are likely to be the first out the door, while Mason Mount has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Article image:Chelsea and Newcastle United keeping tabs on Barcelona winger Raphinha

As for Newcastle, they’ve enjoyed one of their strongest campaigns in years. Despite a recent dip in form, they sit in fifth place, four points off the Champions League spots with two games in hand.

A new winger may be welcome at St James’ Park in the upcoming transfer window. Miguel Almiron has had a fine season, scoring 11 league goals.

But Allan Saint-Maximin has struggled for fitness, while Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy have done little when on the pitch.

Raphinha previously spent two years in England with Leeds, where he was a hit. In 65 Premier League appearances, the 26-year-old scored 17 and assisted 12.

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