Newcastle United have apparently made a significant decision about their interest in a long-term target.
The Magpies have been linked with a transfer for Brazil winger Raphinha since a Saudi-led group sealed a £340 million takeover of St James Park in October 2021. The former Sporting CP and Rennes player was linked with a move to Tyneside just months later, but he stayed with United’s then-Premier League rivals Leeds United as they battled successfully to avoid relegation.
Despite Newcastle reportedly reigniting their interest in the talented winger, Raphinha made a high-profile move to Barcelona the following summer and had a successful first season at the Camp Nou, helping the Catalan giants defeat deadly rivals Real Madrid to win La Liga. The Brazilian had a significant role on Barcelona’s triumph, scoring ten goals and providing 12 assists in 50 games across all competitions, but speculation about a return to the Premier League was never far away.
Those links remain alive after Raphinha’s difficult second year with Barcelona, despite the fact that the 27-year-old denied any plans to leave Catalonia earlier this season. However, Spanish news site Sport has provided a significant update on the winger’s status and disclosed Newcastle’s position on any potential transfer.
According to a report published over the weekend, Newcastle’s ‘very serious difficulties’ with Financial Fair Play regulations have caused them to withdraw their interest in Raphinha – but the former Leeds player could still be on the move after the same outlet suggested Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal were ready to partner the winger with former United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
Confoundingly, while suggesting that Barcelona would have accepted an offer of roughly £53 million, Sport claims Al-Hilal is prepared to offer an initial £72 million, with an additional £14 million in potential bonuses.
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