Manchester United allegedly consider making a move for Barcelona attacker Raphinha before this summer’s transfer window closes for business.
Manchester United are reportedly considering making a move for Barcelona attacker Raphinha before this summer’s transfer window closes for business.
The Red Devils have made four signings during the current market, bringing in Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to boost their defence, while Joshua Zirkzee has arrived in the final third of the field.
Man United are still believed to be planning to further boost their squad before the end of the month, though, and according to SPORT, the club are eyeing a late move for Barcelona’s Raphinha.
There has been speculation surrounding the Brazil international’s future this summer, with clubs from Saudi Arabia believed to be showing a strong interest in the ex-Leeds United attacker.
However, Raphinha is believed to have made it clear that he wants to remain in Europe and ideally with Barcelona.
The Catalan side could sanction a sale late in the window to fund a further attacking signing, though, with Man United said to be firmly in the hunt for the 27-year-old.
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Man United ‘considering late move’ for Raphinha
Raphinha arrived at Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022, and he has represented his current side on 87 occasions, scoring 20 goals and registering 25 assists in the process.
Last season, the attacker managed 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 appearances for the Catalan giants, and he still has another three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou.
Man United are said to have a long-standing interest in Raphinha, with the forward impressing during his previous time in England, scoring 17 goals and registering 12 assists in 67 appearances for Leeds.
Barcelona would allegedly be willing to sell the South American if they receive an offer in the region of €60m (£51.5m), and the Red Devils could potentially fund the move by selling Jadon Sancho and Antony.
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Raphinha ‘viewed’ as potential Sancho, Antony replacement
Sancho has managed to patch-up his relationship with Man United head coach Erik ten Hag, and was involved during pre-season and then featured against Manchester City in the Community Shield last weekend.
However, there is still widespread speculation surrounding the Englishman, who spent the second half of last season back on loan with Borussia Dortmund after his falling-out with Ten Hag.
Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keen on signing Sancho, and it will be fascinating to see whether he is in the squad for Friday’s Premier League game against Fulham.
Antony, meanwhile, has found it difficult to make his mark for Man United since arriving from Ajax in 2022, only managing 11 goals in 82 appearances in all competitions.
The Brazilian was an unused substitute against Man City in the Community Shield, with Amad Diallo starting down the right, and Alejandro Garnacho and Sancho being introduced ahead of him off the bench.
There has been suggestions of possible Saudi Arabian interest in Antony, who managed only one goal in 29 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.