Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona could swap major stars, as Ange Postecoglou looks to reshape his squad further
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England.
Tottenham Hotspur could swap one of their most important players – with a Barcelona superstar arriving in the opposite direction.
The Lilywhites have enjoyed a strong start to the season, leading the pack before a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea and a late collapse to Wolves before the international break. But there is a consensus that Tottenham’s squad is a little light and that manager Ange Postecoglou could still make big signings in the next couple of transfer windows.
Harry Kane departed north London in the summer, leaving Spurs without a vital attacker – which may be addressed in the form of a creative swap deal soon.
Bayern Munich’s English forward #09 Harry Kane applauds the fans after the German first division Bundesliga football match between Werder Bremen and FC Bayern Munich in Bremen, northern Germany, on August 18, 2023.
Harry Kane left Tottenham in the summer.
Reports in Spain, relayed by the Express, claim that Tottenham are interested in swapping Cristian Romero with Raphinha.
Romero has been a key man for Postecoglou in defence so far – but Raphinha shone in the Premier League with Leeds United and can play on either wing. The Brazilian won the league with Barcelona in his first La Liga campaign but with the emergence of teen sensation Lamine Yamal, the cash-strapped Calatans may opt to off the winger.
Raphinha wouldn’t just be an option to replace Richarlison on the left-wing: he could well be used as a right-winger, pushing Dejan Kulusevski in field to play as a midfielder.
Raphinha in action for Barcelona against Osasuna in May 2023.
Raphinha is on Spurs’ radar (Image credit: Getty Images)
Romero has just served the first game of a three-match ban, following his dismissal against Chelsea.
Transfermarkt values Raphinha at €60 million.
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn’t receive a winners’ medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson’s season at Barcelona to Robinho’s career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
