The Red Devils' blockbuster bid has sent shockwaves through the football world, catching even Barcelona's hierarchy off guard.
"The figure has surprised everyone at Camp Nou," a source close to the negotiations said, noting that such a colossal proposal for the Brazilian star was unexpected.
Raphinha, who has notched an impressive 34 goals and 25 assists in 57 appearances this season, is seen as a key figure in Barcelona's attack, but the financial allure of United's offer could force the Catalan giants to reconsider their stance.
Under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim and newly appointed Director of Football Jason Wilcox, Manchester United are aggressively reshaping their squad after a dismal 2024/25 campaign. The club have already secured Wolves' Matheus Cunha for 62.5 million pounds, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking options.
However, their pursuit of other targets, including Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, has hit roadblocks, with a 55-million-pound bid plus 10 million in add-ons rejected by the Bees. Tottenham, now led by Thomas Frank, are also in the race for Mbeumo, intensifying the competition.
United's interest in Raphinha stems from their belief that the 28-year-old can make an immediate impact. "His Premier League experience with Leeds United means he knows the pace and physicality of English football," a club insider said. During his two-year stint at Leeds, Raphinha scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 67 matches, establishing himself as a fan favorite before his 55-million-pound move to Barcelona in 2022.
Barcelona, grappling with financial pressures, face a tough decision. "While we don't want to lose one of our most decisive players, an offer of this magnitude demands serious consideration," a Barcelona official said. The potential windfall could help stabilize the club's finances, but parting with Raphinha would be a bitter pill for fans.
United's transfer strategy remains ambitious, but questions linger about their financial muscle after owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned of potential insolvency without cost-cutting measures. Despite missing out on European football for 2025/26, the Red Devils are determined to reclaim their status as title contenders, and landing Raphinha would be a major coup in that mission.
Liverpool are aggressively pursuing Napoli's prolific striker Victor Osimhen, with talks underway for a blockbuster swap deal that could reshape their attacking lineup, according to reports.
Real Madrid have secured a pivotal agreement to extend the contract of their forward Brahim Diaz, ensuring the 25-year-old remains a cornerstone of their squad for years to come, according to reports from MARCA.
Manchester United have reportedly opened initial talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential move for striker Hugo Ekitike.
Everton are gearing up for an ambitious transfer window, targeting Manchester City's Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker to bolster their squad for their debut season at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
