Newcastle United backed to sign Raphinha after ‘whispers I’ve heard’
Newcastle United have been backed to land a deal to sign Raphinha from Barcelona after what he did for Leeds in the Premier League.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who remains very well-connected at the club, insisted that the winger’s work ethic makes him stand out from others in his position.
Raphina, 27, left Leeds to join Barcelona in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the most important players in Hansi Flick’s side.
A hattrick against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on 23 October caught the eye of watching clubs, who could look to exploit Barcelona’s financial position.
Among those watching sides was Newcastle, who have maintained a long-standing interest in the Brazilian having been linked with a move in the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 10 August that Raphinha was among the Magpies’ top targets – although the deal would have been difficult to pull off.
Robinson has insisted it was the winger’s time at Elland Road has played a key part in that interest, and he is now showing the top level of his game.
Newcastle United back to agree Raphinha deal with Barcelona
Raphinha has also collected 29 caps for Brazil on top of his 100 appearances for Barcelona since leaving Leeds, scoring 29 goals and providing 33 assists in that time.
Now, with growing interest from Newcastle, Robinson has singled him out as a player who could “without a shadow of a doubt” improve their side.
“I saw what he can do at Leeds and I’ve heard whispers of a Premier League return,” he told Football Insider.
“I think that’s a summer move. He’s a player who will attract Premier League interest.
“He’s 27 years old and he’s still got a lot of football left, he’s spent two years at Barcelona now and let’s not forget his caps for Brazil.
“The main thing I see with Raphina is how hard-working he is and his work ethic off the ball.
“He’s got quality on the ball, with his vision and his delivery and quality in the final third.
“But he’s got that edge, he’s not afraid to put his foot in.
“He’s a player who can enhance Newcastle’s starting XI without a shadow of a doubt.”
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