In what would seemingly be quite the transfer coup Newcastle United are nearing a deal for former Leeds United winger Raphinha with current club Barcelona. The Brazilian enjoyed a great spell in the Premier League so you would expect him to hit the ground running in a solid and improving Toon side.
According to Football365, the Magpies had to raise their bid for the 27 year-old after Barcelona demanded a £50 million plus fee for the Brazillian.
It had previously been understood that Eddie Howe and Newcastle were looking to bring in a new attacker, especially with it looking ever likely that Miguel Almiron could be on the move this summer.
Raphinha was identified as a possible target early on in the summer, but no official move had been made for the winger who has Premier League experience with Marco Bielsa’s Leeds United.
Barcelona are reportedly accepting that Raphinha may have to leave this summer in order to relax financial pressures that the Spanish club is going through at the moment. A £51m fee for the winger will help the cause making it a good deal for both sides.
How would Raphinha fit in at Newcastle United?
The former Leeds man plays on both the left and the right hand side meaning that he could slot in as a replacement for Miguel Almiron who looks destined to leave St James’ Park this summer.
This would leave Eddie Howe with Raphinha on one side and Anthony Gordon on the other, assuming that the Magpies can prevent him from making the move to either Liverpool, Chelsea or Manchester United.
However, it could also be viewed that the likely Raphinha signing could be in anticipation of Gordon’s departure which if so, Howe may want to add another winger on top of the Brazilian.
If they can keep hold of Gordon, Newcastle’s front three will have some serious firepower if Raphinha joins with Isak between the two pacey wingers in the striker position.
