After it was reported that Tottenham would give up on Ivan Toney in order to move forward with a deal for the former Leeds winger, Raphinha is reportedly looking to return to the Premier League from Barcelona in January.
The Brazil international made a £55 million transfer from Leeds in the summer of 2022, but his time in Catalonia has been somewhat erratic. Raphinha battled Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati for a spot on the right side of Xavi’s attack for the majority of his first season, but he was still able to conclude his first campaign in Spain with 10 goals and 10 assists from 50 appearances.
But this season, it seems that Raphinha has dropped in the rankings because of the rise of Lamine Yamal, a teenage sensation and generational talent, and the return of Ferran Torres, who was absent under Xavi the previous season.
Additionally, fans have unfairly attacked Raphinha whenever he has been given the opportunity to play, accusing the Brazilian winger of trying too hard to impress.
It was reported earlier this month that Barcelona might consider selling the former Leeds player.
Raphinha may have to make way as the Blaugrana are trying to raise money for the permanent signings of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, both of whom have shown promise while on loan.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is allegedly signalling that they are willing to sell Raphinha for as much as €70 million (£61.3 million)—a tiny profit over the amount they paid to bring him from West Yorkshire to Catalonia.
Raphinha had talks with Arsenal and Chelsea before joining Barca.
However, it has now been reported that Tottenham is leading the hunt for him in light of Football Transfers’ claims that negotiations to bring him to N17 may soon begin.
In fact, it is said that Ange Postecoglou’s team has a “concrete interest” in getting the 26-year-old back to the Premier League in January. Raphinha’s ideal move to Barcelona may come to an end after just 18 months, as the winter window officially opens for business in just 44 days. Furthermore, with a firm approach from Postecoglou likely to get Barcelona talking and to the negotiating table, Barcelona will not obstruct Raphinha’s sale to Spurs.
Surprisingly, there are rumours that Xavi wants to acquire Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in a straight trade, meaning Tottenham might not have to pay the full €70 million asking price for the winger.
Under Postecoglou’s direction, Romero has improved and become one of the Premier League’s top defenders. Nonetheless, the Argentine forward still possesses a careless side to his play, as evidenced by his recent, easily avoidable red-card offence against Chelsea.
It has since been reported, though, that Xavi would be open to trading for the World Cup winner.
Spurs will drop the pursuit of Ivan Toney
Even though Barca is willing to sign Romero, Postecoglou, who has the funds to sign Raphinha, will probably reject a swap deal. Spurs are willing to give up on signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney in January because they are so eager to acquire Raphinha.
In order to replace Harry Kane, Postecoglou still needs a new central striker. Spurs may decide to give up on that pursuit and focus all of their efforts on signing Raphinha in the wake of reports that Toney is content to sign a new contract with Brentford.
Raphinha has made 11 appearances for Barca so far this season, contributing two assists and two goals. It will not expire until the summer of 2027 for him to remain at the Nou Camp.
