Because the La Liga heavyweights are having financial difficulties, West Ham United wants to buy Barcelona winger Raphinha during the summer transfer window, according to HITC.
The news agency reports on their website (16 February) that the Catalan giants are looking to sell the former Leeds winger as they try to reduce their squad size because of their well-known financial issues.
However, a number of teams, including West Ham, are interested in the Brazilian, and a storyline is expected to unfold over the summer transfer window.
“HITC Football is aware that Barcelona, whose financial problems have been widely publicized in recent years, intends to reduce the size of their expensively assembled team once more this summer, with forwards Raphinha and Ferran Torres being two of those who have made themselves available for transfer,” they stated in their letter.
“Barcelona has told Torres that they are open to receiving proposals.
“Raphinha seems to have more fans right now, though, as West Ham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle, and Leeds are all keeping an eye on a player who was Leeds’ best player during his two seasons in the top division.”
West Ham can go up a level
The upcoming summer transfer window is anticipated to be a crucial period for East London, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the future of David Moyes. The situation makes it challenging to formulate plans effectively.
Last year, Tim Steidten appeared to be in charge of transfers, but clashes with Moyes complicated matters, leading to deals being concluded late in the window. If decisions are made earlier in the process this time around, it could enhance the club’s prospects of securing deals more smoothly. Steidten has demonstrated proficiency in getting deals over the line, and an early decision-making process could potentially facilitate a more efficient transfer window for the club.
The prospect of signing Raphinha is likely to excite West Ham fans, as he could bring a significant boost to the team’s quality in the final third. The Brazilian winger has previously expressed interest in a move to the London Stadium, making him a potentially enticing addition.
If Lucas Paqueta departs due to his release clause becoming active, Raphinha could serve as an ideal replacement and a valuable addition to the squad. Acting swiftly in the transfer market could be crucial to securing his signature and outmaneuvering potential competition.
In other West Ham news, it seems that Tim Steidten is considering the possibility of hiring a Champions League winner as a replacement for David Moyes, indicating potential changes in the coaching staff.