Barcelona join the hunt for Leeds star Raphinha

The upcoming summer will see Barcelona improving their attacking department.

According to the football transfer rumours in Italian media, Barcelona have joined the hunt for Leeds winger Raphinha.

The 25-year-old has been subject to interest from various European clubs.

Raphinha has been at Leeds since 2020 when he joined from Rennes. The 25-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

In 59 appearances for Leeds, Raphinha has managed to score 15 goals, and create 12 goals for his teammates.

The 25-year-old is considered to be one of the best wingers in Brazil. Raphinha has also left his mark at the international stage after netting 3 goals in 7 senior appearances for the Brazil national team.

His impressive performances this season have apparently caught the eye of some of Europe’s big clubs.

The Spanish giants have earmarked Leeds winger Raphinha as their target, with Xavi being a ‘huge admirer’ of the player. Xavi is a firm fan of Leeds winger and Barcelona could make a move for the player if the financial aspect makes sense.

Barcelona are in the market for just a handful of statement signings who can improve the first-team.

The former Rennes man will offer the Barcelona boss the freedom to be more flexible with his formations, tactics and team selections.

According to the report, “Barcelona are making a move for Leeds winger Raphinha. Raphinha, whose contract doesn’t expire until June 2024, has caught the eye during his two seasons at Elland Road, becoming a Brazil international off the back of his fine form too. The 25-year-old’s displays have earned him suitors and according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they have grown with Barcelona joining the list. Discussing Barca’s stance on Monday, Romano claims the Spanish giants are in the running for Raphinha and face a battle with Liverpool for his signature. He adds that talks have already been made between Raphinha’s camp and Barcelona’s over a move with the player represented by Deco, who played at the Nou Camp for four seasons between 2004 and 2008. Deco now also acts as Barca’s chief South American scout.”

Euro Football Rumours

Barcelona will have to present a really enticing offer to bring Leeds to the negotiating table. The Spanish giants have the resources to tempt them but it will be interesting to see if they are willing to overpay for the player.

Good signing for Barcelona?

If Raphinha is available for the right price, then he could be a clever acquisition for Barcelona. He will be an ideal choice for Xavi as he ticks all the right boxes in terms of what he demands from his attackers.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Barcelona.

It will be interesting to see if Barcelona can beat their rivals to the winger’s signature.

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Would Raphinha be a good signing for Barcelona?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.