St James’ Park became a hub for Brazilian flair during the backend of last season. Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes combined to great effect in the Newcastle United engine room, inspiring supporters to emblazon the home end with green and yellow flags.
The prospect of another South American star gracing the Tyneside turf would have fans drooling - especially as Allan Saint-Maximin would be terrorising full-backs on the opposite flank. Claims from the Daily Mail suggest the Magpies “like” the 25-year-old, who bagged 11 Premier League goals for Leeds United in 2021-22.
Two years left on his current deal means the Whites may consider offers for their talisman before his value plummets. Analytical site transfermarkt.com value the Brazilian at £40million, a reasonable fee for a top Premier League winger. ChronicleLive profiled what his ex-managers and agent have said about the in-demand forward.
READ MORE: Newcastle United sent Lewandowski transfer message but should be excited by Bruno-level deals
Marcelo Bielsa
Former Leeds manager Bielsa was the man who brought Raphinha to Elland Road in 2020. The Argentine labelled him the “best player in the team” last year as the club fought relegation.
Bielsa said: “Raphinha is the best player in the team in all the senses, physically he's the best, technically he's at the level of the best and the interpretation he has of the game is very good, very wise.
“(He is) within the group of such a powerful nation of Brazil, he shines in the Premier League and he has the attention of all the big clubs in the world.
Jesse Marsch
The current Whites boss signalled his desire to keep the winger in Yorkshire. At the backend of the campaign, Marsch said: "(Raphinha is) a massive talent and my challenge is, despite all of the talk outside, is to have a relationship where we can focus on his development in helping the team while he is here.
"I haven't had a word with him about Deco or Barcelona. It should be out there because (he) is fantastic.
"I just want him to become the player I know he can be. Everyone here wants to enjoy the football he can play and of course, we want him to stay as long as possible. Fantastic player and very good person."
Deco
Raphinha’s agent is Barcelona and Portuguese legend Deco, who has made no secret of his client’s future ambitions. Speaking last winter, the 44-year-old revealed Liverpool were monitoring the situation.
“Raphinha has become an important player in the Premier League, the club knows he has grown and things will happen naturally,” he told Globo Esporte.
“There were enquiries (last summer), but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season. Leeds are aware. They will want to make an important sale, and Raphinha will end up growing in his career.”
“Raphinha has a market and Leeds have high expectations, it was never a project in a hurry. He has ambitions to play at a higher level despite Leeds being in the Premier League. But this is not the time, things will happen naturally.”
Tite
Brazil manager Tite confessed he knew little of Raphinha until Bielsa gave him the heads up. However, the winger is now a regular starter for his country ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
He said recently: “The scouting staff came to me saying, 'have a look at this lad, we have been scouting him closely'. I was not paying much attention, but they insisted. 'Look at his numbers!' Then we phoned (Marcelo) Bielsa, and he gave us information that supported the conclusions. His quality is impressive."
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
READ MORE
Newcastle have new secret agent transfer advantage that will see Gareth Southgate finally return
'An absolute monster' - Newcastle find £10m bargain Eddie Howe will love and what he texted pal
Why Newcastle United's economical start to transfer window opens door to exciting July
Newcastle note book: Howe's headache as 34 stars set to return and costly six-figure wage warning
Sven Botman has passed Newcastle's secret tests for transfer targets to silence AC Milan doubts
