Manchester United are plotting a shock move for Barcelona winger Raphinha on the deadline day. The Red Devils are reportedly anticipating a loan move only according to the Mirror, until the end of the season. United have signed Dutch striker Wout Weghorst from Burnley on loan as their only attacking reinforcement this month. However, Erik ten Hag has asked the club to complete one more signing as a push to strengthen their chances of a top four finish in the Premier League.
The Red Devils are apparently also unhappy with their €100m signing Antony who has been nothing short of a dull spot in Ten Hag’s team. His output has only experienced a downfall since day one at Old Trafford, and hence United want Raphinha to provide a stiff competition to Antony. The former Leeds player is also currently unhappy with his lack of gametime at Camp Nou, and could be open to a return to England.
Barcelona all ears to Manchester United’s offer for Raphinha
Barcelona have only signed Raphinha in the summer, fending off tough competition from Chelsea and Arsenal to swoop in for the winger in a stunning €58m deal. While initially the Brazilian did offer glimpses of his talent, nothing significant has been contributed by him in recent games. As a result, Xavi hasn’t hesitated to start the winger from the bench, handing him only 15 starts in the club’s 29 games in all competitions.
Raphinha has scored 4 goals and registered 7 assists for the Catalans, which has been deemed as too low by the club bosses. The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati have been more impactful on the wings, with teenaged midfielder Gavi too shining brighter than Raphinha in a makeshift winger role. With the 26-year-old failing to live up to his hefty price tag, Barcelona are ready to entertain offers for him.
Manchester United are the first in the queue, with the Red Devils ready to take the underperforming winger on loan until the end of the season. A move could be made permanent as well if Raphinha excels in England once again as he did for Leeds, scoring 17 time and collecting 12 assists in 67 games. United feel the Barca winger would be a readymade option who has ample experience in the Premier League and would click under Ten Hag from day one.
This would definitely be a massive boost for United, who are eyeing a top four finish in the league as they currently sit fourth in the table. Moreover, they are still very much alive in all the cup competitions in FA Cup, League Cup and the Europa League, where they face Barcelona in the round of 32. A solid depth would definitely churn out at least a trophy for the Red Devils for the first time since 2017 is the feeling as well.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also needed to significantly lower their wage bill if they are to sign anymore players. They have set their eyes on a number of targets for the summer, with Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva on top of their list. Raphinha’s offloading could prove to be a big help for the Catalan outfit, also helping them with registrations of some of their academy starlets. However, it remains to see whether Raphinha accepts a potential offer from Manchester United or not.