Tottenham Hotspur reportedly showed the strongest interest in signing Manchester United and Liverpool target Raphinha this summer, as per TEAMtalk.
After enduring disappointing campaigns over the last two years, the Lilywhites prioritised revamping the squad this summer to hand Roberto De Zerbi the necessary tools to achieve success this season.
They upgraded the attack by signing Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Mykhailo Mudryk. Still, Spurs have started the new campaign poorly, languishing at the bottom of the table with two points from four games.
Now, TEAMtalk claim that although Tottenham signed Marmoush, Savinho and Mudryk this summer, they were initially interested in Raphinha, having been impressed by his recent impressive performances.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all made contact this year to learn about the details of finalising the operation. However, Spurs showed the strongest interest in signing him.
But the Brazilian is happy at Camp Nou and made it clear to the interested clubs that he isn’t planning to leave. The forward has now agreed to sign a new four-year contract.
Battle
Raphinha started his career as a right-winger but showcased his qualities as a left-winger for Barcelona over the last couple of years. He has even been displaying impressive performances as a striker this season.
In just eight appearances across all competitions, he has scored 17 goals and registered three assists this season. Moreover, he has helped his side win every game.
Following Mohamed Salah’s departure, Liverpool decided to revamp the flanks this summer and purchased Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz. But it appears they were also interested in Raphinha.
Man Utd reportedly explored the possibility of signing a new left-winger this summer, but following Michael Carrick’s decision to keep Marcus Rashford, they opted not to buy a new forward.
Raphinha, valued at around £60m by Transfermarkt, has proven his goal-scoring prowess at Camp Nou in recent years and is currently at the prime stage of his career. Moreover, he knows the Premier League very well, having previously played for Leeds United.
Therefore, the 29-year-old would have been a shrewd acquisition for Tottenham, Man Utd or Liverpool had any of those clubs purchased him this year.
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