Man Utd launch ASTONISHING bid for Ballon d’Or candidate

Robin Bairner

17 Mar 2025 02:00 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United are ready to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad in the summer by signing the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or and have already put a €70 million offer on the table.

Article continues under the video

Barcelona star Raphinha has emerged as a prime candidate to sign for the Red Devils, Fijaches reports, with Man Utd attempting to lure the Brazil international back to the Premier League.

Current ETV

Raphinha

F (L), M (CL)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F (L), M (CL)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€69.3M - €84.7M

Raphinha is enjoying a career season with the Blaugrana, having emerged as a team leader under Hansi Flick. He is now the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.

In 42 appearances, he has scored 27 goals and produced a further 20 assists as the German has built arguably the finest team in Europe at present.

The former Leeds United star further underlined his importance to his side in Sunday’s clash against Atletico Madrid. Captaining Barca, he provided two assists as his side came from behind to pick up a 4-2 win and take a firm grasp of LaLiga in the process.

Raphinha’s Barcelona future is not secure

Doubts have built over Raphinha’s long-term future at Camp Nou, though, and Man Utd are reported to have put themselves in position to take advantage of these. The Brazilian has operated in the role of a dual No.10 at times this season, and his success in this position has clearly impressed Amorim.

Despite the performance of the 28-year-old, the Catalans have repeatedly been linked with a strong of players who could potentially replace him, most notably Nico Williams, the Athletic Club winger who has a release clause of just €58 million.

Barcelona could feasibly be tempted to sell Raphinha to Man Utd and use the proceeds to add Nico to their squad. At 22 years old, he has more potential longevity, already has a bond with certain members of the squad, most famously Lamine Yamal, and he has sky-high potential.

Compared

Raphinha

F (L), M (CL)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F (L), M (CL)

Barcelona

VS

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

M (L)

Athletic

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

42	Appearances	41
27	Goals	9
20	Assists	10
57	Shots On Target	32
118	Key Passes	63

A bid of €70m is likely to prove insufficient for them to sell their current ace. Raphinha posts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €77m, so the Blaugrana would be well advised to hold out for more.

Man Utd, meanwhile, would simply love to have a player with the offensive figures that Raphinha boasts, with two promising seasons at Leeds United offering proof that the South American can shine in the Premier League.