The transfer market is heating up as Manchester City have surged into the race to sign Barcelona’s dynamic winger Raphinha, a player long coveted by rivals Manchester United. The 28-year-old Brazilian, who has dazzled under Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barcelona side, is at the center of a tug-of-war between the Premier League giants, with a significant departure from the Etihad potentially paving the way for his arrival. As the summer transfer window approaches, Raphinha’s future at the Camp Nou remains uncertain, fueling speculation about a blockbuster move that could reshape both Manchester clubs’ attacking lines.
Raphinha’s journey from Leeds United to Barcelona in 2022 for £55 million marked him as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, but his time in Catalonia has been a mixed bag. Despite a stellar 2024-25 season, where he notched five goals and seven assists in 10 La Liga matches, Barcelona’s financial constraints have made him a “sacrificable” asset. His electrifying performances, averaging a goal contribution every 71.2 minutes, have caught the eye of City’s Pep Guardiola, who sees the Brazilian as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish, whose £100 million stint at the Etihad appears to be nearing its end. “Raphinha has been in fine form,” a source close to City noted, emphasizing his appeal as a direct, goal-threatening winger who could thrive in Guardiola’s system.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have been tracking Raphinha since his Leeds days, viewing him as a solution to their attacking woes under Ruben Amorim. With Marcus Rashford’s future uncertain—his loan spell at Aston Villa has yielded three goals and six assists in 16 games, but a permanent move to Barcelona is off the table—United are eager to bolster their forward line. The Red Devils reportedly learned that Barcelona would entertain offers around €60 million (£51.4 million), a sum they believe is justified given Raphinha’s proven Premier League pedigree. “He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time,” a United insider said, highlighting his ability to “pick up the ball and make things happen” as a key factor in their interest.
The potential exit of Grealish from Manchester City adds urgency to their pursuit. The 29-year-old England star, sidelined by injuries and limited to 17 Premier League starts over the past two seasons, has been linked with Tottenham, Newcastle, and even a return to Aston Villa. City’s openness to offers for Grealish, whose £300,000-per-week wages strain their budget, could free up funds and squad space for Raphinha. “Jack has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said recently, admitting the winger’s lack of minutes has been a concern. A £40-50 million move for Grealish could trigger City’s bid for Raphinha, with sources indicating a deal could “break the market” if negotiations escalate.
Barcelona’s financial predicament, despite their La Liga title and treble-winning campaign under Flick, complicates matters. The club’s struggle to register players like Dani Olmo due to Financial Fair Play issues has forced them to consider offloading high earners like Raphinha, who rejected a lucrative Saudi Pro League offer from Al-Nassr to stay in Europe. “I want to continue playing at a high level,” Raphinha reportedly told his agents, a stance that aligns with interest from Arsenal and Aston Villa, though City and United lead the race. Barcelona’s recent agreement to extend Raphinha’s contract until 2028 suggests confidence in his value, but a hefty offer could sway their stance.
The rivalry between City and United adds spice to the chase. City’s interest predates their link to Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, who reportedly demanded Raphinha as his first signing if he replaces Guardiola. United, meanwhile, see Raphinha as a cultural fit for Amorim’s high-pressing system, especially with Alejandro Garnacho also attracting interest from Barcelona and Chelsea. “It’s a straight fight between the Manchester clubs,” a transfer expert noted, predicting a frenetic bidding war. As City prepare for the Club World Cup and United aim to climb the Premier League table, Raphinha’s decision could hinge on playing time guarantees and the chance to compete for trophies.
With the transfer window poised to ignite, Raphinha’s next move will be a defining moment. Will he return to the Premier League’s spotlight with City’s slick machine or United’s rebuilding project? Or will Barcelona dig in, keeping their star winger to fuel their European ambitions? As Grealish’s exit looms and the Manchester derby extends to the transfer market, the saga of Raphinha promises drama, ambition, and a potential shift in the balance of power.
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