FC Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates with the trophy after winning the Spanish Super Cup
Former Premier League striker and talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor says that the signing of Raphinha would ‘excite the fanbase’ at Newcastle United.
The Lowdown: Newcastle interest
It was reported earlier this month that Newcastle were eyeing up a potential move for Raphinha in the summer.
FC Barcelona have seemingly been underwhelmed by his performances since he moved from Leeds United last summer, and so the winger could potentially make a swift return back to the Premier League.
The Latest: Perfect signing
Speaking to Football Insider after hearing the news that Raphinha could move to St. James’ Park, Agbonlahor has claimed that Raphinha would fit in ‘perfectly’ in the North East, adding that he could form part of a new ‘outstanding’ attack, and that his move would ‘excite the fanbase’:
“He’d be a great signing for Newcastle.
“Almiron needs a bit of competition, and Raphinha would definitely bring that. Almiron would have to be at the top of his game to get past him and into the side.
“If you think about Raphinha on the left, and one of Saint-Maximin or Gordon on the left – that’s an outstanding attack.
“It just depends on how much Barcelona need the money.
“I’m sure if Newcastle give them the right money, they’d have to consider it.
“He’s a top player and I loved him at Leeds. He’d excite the fanbase and I think he’d fit in perfectly at Newcastle.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
Unfortunately for Raphinha, his move to Barca has not quite worked out as he perhaps would have hoped, having started in just 23 of the 37 appearances that he has made for the club so far this season, with only 14 of those coming in La Liga (Transfermarkt).
However, the Brazil international has shown moments of quality in those matches, scoring nine goals and making a further nine assists in total over all competitions.
Lauded as a ‘phenomenal‘ player by pundit Tim Sherwood, it was in the Premier League that Raphinha made a name for himself, with former Leeds forward Noel Whelan hailing him as being able to produce moments of ‘magic’ and having a ‘relentless’ work ethic.
Indeed, the 26-year-old scored an impressive 17 goals and supplied a further 12 assists from the wing in his two terms in the top flight (Transfermarkt), and so should be able to settle in quickly at the Magpies, should they end up making the move this summer.
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