FC Barcelona has rejected a substantial offer for winger Raphinha, as reported by SPORT. The Premier League made a bid for the Brazilian player, but Barcelona declined the offer, citing anonymous sources. Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, has had a mixed tenure at the club but recently showcased his talent with a standout performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
During the quarterfinal first leg match against PSG, Raphinha scored two crucial goals in a 3-2 victory at the Parc des Princes. Following this impressive display, the 27-year-old expressed his commitment to Barcelona, stating that the 'best is yet to come' and affirming his desire to honor his contract with the club, which runs until 2027.
As Barcelona prepares for the second leg against PSG, where Raphinha is expected to feature prominently, SPORT revealed that the club turned down a €60 million offer from an undisclosed Premier League team. Despite the significant bid, Barcelona's board, led by president Joan Laporta, is holding out for a higher fee of around €80 million for the talented winger.
Interest in Raphinha from English clubs is not new, with previous reports linking him to Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. In 2022, Raphinha was close to joining Chelsea before opting for Barcelona, who secured his services for £55 million by leveraging Laporta's financial strategies.
While Barcelona could potentially recoup their investment by accepting the latest offer, the club is intent on making a profit on Raphinha's sale. Currently, Raphinha's form has seen him edge out Joao Felix in the starting lineup, showcasing his importance to the team alongside 16-year-old Lamine Yamal in the attacking setup.
