Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha in the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana continue to face significant financial challenges, so they may be forced to offload several key players this summer to balance the books. The Brazil international has been linked with a departure from the Camp Nou for some time now and several clubs across Europe, including Premier League outfits, are interested in signing him.
According to journalist Paul O Keefe, Barcelona winger Raphinha is on Tottenham’s list of summer targets ahead of the next transfer window.
Raphinha, 27, joined Barcelona from Leeds United for £55m in 2022. He has made 70 appearances so far for the Spanish giants, scoring 14 goals and supplying 19 assists in the process. After a decent first season in La Liga, the Brazilian winger has failed to nail down a place in Xavi Hernandez’s first XI this term, with teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal taking his spot on the right wing.
Raphinha to Tottenham—Should they make a move?
Tottenham signed Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig in January with an option to buy at the end of the season and were also keen on acquiring the services of highly-rated Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa. However, a move for Nusa didn’t materialise, with Brentford now leading the race for his signature despite the Norwegian’s deal collapsing in the recently concluded winter window due to medical issues.
Spurs seem to have switched their attention elsewhere and could revive their interest in Raphinha, who is also understood to be on the radar of Liverpool. While Raphinha is happy at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s precarious position could force them to listen to offers for him in the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a cult status during his two-year stay with Leeds United. The 27-year-old tormented many Premier League defences with his dribbling, pace, energy and flair, whilst helping the Whites maintain their top-flight status. He has the ability to play on either flank and could provide competition for Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Manor Solomon at Spurs.
Raphinha is a Premier League-proven commodity and would lift the quality of Tottenham’s squad. His industry, work rate and technical abilities make him a perfect fit for Ange Postecoglou’s system as well. If the former Rennes winger could come in and make a similar impact as he did at Leeds, he could help Postecoglou’s Spurs challenge for trophies.
That said, Spurs must do everything possible to sign Raphinha from Barcelona to elevate their squad for the 2024/25 season.
