Newcastle United targets Barcelona star winger Raphinha

ALMERIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Raphael Dias Belloli 'Raphinha' of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on February 26, 2023 in Almeria, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
ALMERIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Raphael Dias Belloli 'Raphinha' of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between UD Almeria and FC Barcelona at Juegos Mediterraneos on February 26, 2023 in Almeria, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Newcastle United and its loyal supporters are currently enjoying an impressive season atop the Premier League standings behind manager Eddie Howe.

With the team recently being taken over by Saudi Arabian owners, the team is set to have a promising offseason to build off of this year’s success. The owners have been rumored in giving over £200+ million to the club to bolster its talent.

Recent reports circulating have showcased a plethora of different types of players. Whether its a dominant forward or a prospect defender, the team has endured an awful lot of rumors in recent weeks.

However, the most recent rumor has Newcastle United taking a look at F.C. Barcelona star winger Raphinha.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 05: Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Spotify Camp Nou on March 05, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 05: Raphinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Spotify Camp Nou on March 05, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Currently, the team has experienced a lackluster attacking core that has produced little to no goals in recent contests, with Newcastle going a month without a single goal scored.

Their last goal came in a 1-1 tie at the hands of Bournemouth, a team that sits at the bottom of the Premier League standings.

If the team would acquire a player like Raphinha, they would instantly become much stronger up top. He would be paired with strikers Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson, and wingers Allan Saint-Maximin or Miguel Almiron.

Taking the stress off of those four would drastically help the confidence and production of the players up top. At the moment, it has been Alimiron and Wilson leading the way in the scoring margin, with the two of them needing drastic help.

With Howe’s and Newcastle United’s eyes set on European League qualification, the team needs to have the talent to compete in such divisions. An acquisition like Raphinha would most certainly help that need for talent.

TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha (L) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Barcelona’s French defender Jules Kounde (R) during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 5, 2023. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Raphinha (L) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Barcelona’s French defender Jules Kounde (R) during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 5, 2023. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

On the season, Raphinha has contributed five goals and four assists in 23 appearances. Through five appearances in the bright lights of the Champions League, he has found himself with two assists.

With consistent play being a big factor for Raphinha, the inconsistent play of Newcastle would definitely be helped.

Currently, his transfer market worth is sitting at roughly £50 million, a price that Newcastle United would be able to answer.

Only time will tell if Newcastle United’s recent rumors ever fade into the light of day, but an acquisition like Raphinha would most certainly bolster the play of the starting 11.

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