Barcelona is increasingly likely to sell former Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer after a series of poor displays for the Catalan side.
Barca signed Raphinha from Leeds United for £50 million last summer, but the winger has not convinced his owners since his move from Yorkshire.
According to reports, Xavi Hernandez has grown tired of the Brazil international and is willing to sanction a sale this summer for the winger.
The Spanish coach is unhappy with his contributions to the team so far and was particularly displeased about his contribution during Barca’s 4-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid early this month.
Xavi has seen enough of the 26-year-old and will replace him with Ousmane Dembele once the Frenchman returns from injury. Since Dembele’s injury, the Brazilian has enjoyed an extended time in the starting lineup but has failed to impress.
Since January, the Frenchman has been sidelined with a hamstring issue but is expected to return to action in the coming days. According to reports by Sky Sports, the French winger will replace Raphinha down the right flank once he returns to full fitness.
The 25-year-old featured in all but one of Barca’s first 29 games across competitions this season, registering eight goals and seven assists. In contrast, Raphina has seven goals and six assists in 37 competitive games for Barcelona.
Premier League side Newcastle United are thought to be in the front queue for his signature and are willing to meet Barca’s asking price for the player. However, the Catalan club hopes to reclaim at least the €58m spent on the 26-year-old as the La Liga leaders target improving their finances.
According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are also interested in singing Raphina after missing out on his signature last year when he was still at Leeds United. The Blues reportedly reached an agreement with the Elland Road club but lost out because Raphinha was keen on joining Barca.