West Ham join Arsenal and Liverpool in race to sign under-appreciated Barcelona star

Cameron Smith

• 19 Feb 2024 09:03 GMT
• 3 min read

West Ham United have joined the race to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha, according to fresh reports from Spain.

The Brazil international has been usurped by La Masia wonderkid Lamine Yamal this season and has been heavily linked with a Camp Nou departure following his restricted role in the Barca first-team in 2023-24.

Despite scoring three goals and providing five assists in LaLiga, Raphinha has started just eight Spanish top flight matches so far this campaign, with Xavi preferring Yamal on the right wing.

As a result, he has been touted for a Premier League return in 2024, with numerous clubs reportedly interested in signing him.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Raphinha over the past year, while FootballTransfers understand that Tottenham Hotspur have previously held interest in the Brazilian too.

Furthermore, West Ham have now joined the race for his signature, according to Mundo Deportivo (via Fichajes).

David Moyes’ side have been heavily linked with signing a new left winger and a new centre forward this summer, but a right winger is seemingly on their wish-list too, despite the presence of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

Kudus is able to play off either flank, as an attacking midfielder or through the middle, while Bowen has spent the majority of this season as a central striker. As a result, Raphinha’s potential arrival could see Moyes line up with an exciting front three and Lucas Paqueta in a number 10 role.

How much will Raphinha cost?

In December, it was reported that Barcelona had placed a €100 million price tag on Raphinha’s head, although that figure is far larger than his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €26.4m.

Raphinha’s ETV has declined dramatically as a result of his limited role at Barcelona this season. His ETV stood at €41m back in August, but it has dropped massively due to his lack of action this campaign.

Despite this, Barcelona will hope to turn a profit on the Brazilian, who joined the Blaugrana for €58m from Leeds United in 2022.