Tottenham Hotspur were the keenest Premier League suitors chasing Raphinha this summer, ahead of rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, according to TEAMtalk.
Spurs endured two underwhelming campaigns before this season, prompting a significant squad overhaul designed to give Roberto De Zerbi the firepower needed to compete. The north London club brought in Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Mykhailo Mudryk to strengthen their forward line, yet their start to the new campaign has been alarming, with just two points from four matches leaving them bottom of the table.
Big Six Clubs Circled Raphinha Amid Contract Uncertainty
Despite landing three attacking additions, Tottenham had reportedly earmarked Raphinha as a priority target, having been won over by his consistently excellent displays for Barcelona.
TEAMtalk report that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, United, Liverpool and Spurs all made enquiries this year over a potential deal, but it was Tottenham who pushed hardest. The Brazilian, however, has since committed his future to the Catalan giants by agreeing a new four-year deal.
Why Raphinha Would Have Suited a Premier League Return
Originally a right-winger, Raphinha has flourished on the left flank at Camp Nou and has even been deployed as a central striker this term, netting an extraordinary 17 goals in just eight games across all competitions.
With Mohamed Salah gone, Liverpool’s move for Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz suggests they, too, eyed alternatives before settling elsewhere, while United’s interest cooled once Michael Carrick opted to retain Marcus Rashford.
Valued at roughly £60million by Transfermarkt, and already familiar with English football from his Leeds United days, Raphinha looks a player perfectly suited to the Premier League’s demands. Given his current form, it’s hard not to think Tottenham missed a trick — a fee around that mark would have looked like excellent business for a forward operating at this level.