Following Newcastle United’s interest in Brazilian winger Raphinha, the club’s pursuit has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride since the Saudi-led consortium took over in October 2021. The Magpies were initially linked with the former Sporting CP and Rennes star shortly after the takeover, but Raphinha ultimately remained at Leeds United as they secured their Premier League status.
Despite ongoing rumors of Newcastle reigniting their interest, Raphinha made a high-profile move to Barcelona the following summer. His debut season at the Camp Nou was a success, playing a crucial role in their La Liga triumph with ten goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. However, speculation of a return to the Premier League persisted.
This season, Raphinha faced challenges at Barcelona, prompting rumors of a potential departure. While the Brazilian denied any intentions of leaving earlier in the season, Spanish outlet Sport recently reported a major update on his future. According to the report, Newcastle has now withdrawn their interest in Raphinha due to severe Financial Fair Play constraints.
Instead, Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League has emerged as potential suitors for the winger, reportedly preparing a significant offer. Al-Hilal seems eager to pair Raphinha with former Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. In a twist of events, despite indications that Barcelona would accept a bid around £53m, Al-Hilal is supposedly ready to offer £72m initially, with potential bonuses amounting to another £14m.
The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Raphinha continues to captivate football fans, with the prospect of a new chapter in the talented winger’s career alongside intriguing former Premier League names in the Middle East. As the summer transfer window approaches, the situation remains fluid, adding further layers of complexity to this evolving narrative.
