Newcastle United would be more of an attractive prospect than Arsenal or Tottenham for players like Raphinha, according to Dietmar Hamann. The former Magpies midfielder believes the exciting project Eddie Howe would be able to offer at St James’ Park supersedes European football on the table in North London.
United have been one of the many teams linked with the Leeds United star as he looks set to secure a move away from Elland Road over the next couple of weeks, possibly days. Although, it now seems to be a two-way shoot out for his signature between Chelsea and Barcelona.
Despite interest from the two European giants, Hamann believes Raphinha is the kind of player that Eddie Howe’s side should be targeting. “Newcastle have the pulling power to sign Raphinha ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham,” he told Genting Casino. “If both Arsenal and Spurs are in for him and Newcastle also want him then I think he'll seriously consider going to Newcastle, because it looks like good things will happen in the next few years.”
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Amanda Staveley and co will be hoping the allure of their project on Tyneside will have the exact effect mentioned by Hamann. With aspirations of competing for European places and trophies, young players should jump at the chance to join Newcastle.
It will, however, be tougher to attract players in their prime ahead of traditional 'superpowers' of European, and world football. Raphinha is certainly a player accelerating towards his prime which explains why he might see Chelsea or Barcelona as a better proposition.
His price tag may also be something that dissuades United and Howe from his signing as it looks like a fee of more than £60m has been agreed between Leeds and Thomas Tuchel’s side. The wages the Brazil international would demand may also risk damaging the wage structure that Howe is keen to maintain at St James’ Park.
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