Newcastle United prepared to splash the cash on Barcelona winger

With Barcelona needing to make big cuts to their wage bill in the summer, there is a lingering uncertainty around the futures of some of their players heading into the upcoming transfer window.

One of the players who could be allowed to leave, despite manager Xavi Hernandez counting on him, is Brazilian winger Raphinha.

And, according to Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Newcastle United are interested in signing the 26-year-old and would be prepared to splash the cash on his transfer in the summer.

Newcastle were interested in Raphinha last summer itself, but the Brazilian’s desire to join Barça meant that the Magpies had to face defeat, along with other clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea, who were also keen.

Since joining Barcelona in a deal worth €58 million plus €7 million in add-ons, Raphinha has had his fair share of ups and downs.

While he has proven his worth during the prolonged absence of Ousmane Dembele, the 26-year-old’s angry behaviour after being subbed off in games has not pleased the Barcelona staff.

So, even though Xavi counts on him and trusts his quality, the possibility of the Brazilian being sold exists. Another factor contributing to this is that Raphinha does not wish to play on the left flank, but once Dembele returns, he will occupy the right-wing slot.

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona need to reduce their salary mass by €200 million. And the club’s plan is to generate €100 million from player sales in the summer, with Raphinha understood to be one of the five current first-team stars who could be sold.

The 26-year-old still has a lot of clout in the Premier League market due to his performances for Leeds United and his standing as a Brazil international.

Newcastle United, for one, are keen to sign Raphinha in the summer as they look to build a team capable of making it big on the continental stages.

Having been restricted in the past couple of transfer windows, the Magpies’ new owners are willing to shell out the funds on three or four top signings this summer, with Raphinha said to be among the targets.

A lot could hinge on the offer that Barcelona receive as the Brazilian’s transfer fee is yet to be fully amortized, making the departure complicated.