Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha. Now, they are reportedly set to offer him a mega-wage package.
The former Leeds United star has endured a difficult first season in LaLiga, and the Catalans could look to offload him due to their ongoing financial issues.
Raphinha has already proved he has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League. So, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle can beat the competition to his signature.
Indeed, as reported by TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham have also registered an interest in the Brazil international.
This season, Raphinha has had a decent campaign but hasn’t really lived up to expectations. So far, in 31 LaLiga appearances, he has scored seven goals and made six assists.
As mentioned, Barcelona could be set to offload some players as they look to fund their own transfer business. They are dreaming of resigning Lionel Messi this summer, but would only be able to afford to if they free up some funds.
Raphinha currently earns roughly £200,000-per-week (approx. £10.5m a year). So, offloading him would be a step in the right direction.
Now, Newcastle are allegedly willing to increase his wage, as they look to lure him to St. James’ Park.
Newcastle tipped to offer Raphinha huge pay rise
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Newcastle are willing to offer Raphinha ‘more than his current £200,000-per-week wage.’
This would make him, by far, the Magpies highest earner. Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak are is currently their highest paid players on £120,000-per-week – so it would be a big statement if Newcastle rip up their wage structure to sign the Barca star.
Eddie Howe has admitted that he wants Newcastle to make some ‘elite’ additions this summer. For instance, the Tynesiders are linked with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
Clearly, the manager is on the hunt for attacking recruits. Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jacob Murphy have been key to their success this term, but it’s not clear whether they can perform consistently at the highest level.
This is understandable, given Newcastle look set to qualify for the Champions League next season. They currently sit in third place in the Premier League table – three points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played one game more.
However, despite Barcelona’s financial issues, they will still demand a sizeable fee for Raphinha. It is believed the Catalans will, at least, be looking to get back the money they paid for the Brazilian, which was £58m.
Although, with Arsenal and Tottenham set to battle Newcastle for Raphinha, his ultimate price tag could end up being higher than that.
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