Barcelona appear to have won the race to sign Chelsea target Raphinha.
The Spanish giants are set to land the Leeds United playmaker in a deal worth an overall figure of £63m.
Barcelona has always been the Brazilian’s preferred destination but until recently Chelsea were the only side to meet Leeds’s valuation of £55m, plus £8m add ons.
However, a late move from the Nou Camp outfit means it is now likely that the player will seal his dream switch.
The news will come as a blow to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who is close to finalising a deal with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling.
The England man was in London for a medical and is set to join Chelsea in Los Angeles, where they are on a pre-season tour.
City defender Nathan Ake is set to follow Sterling and return to Stamford Bridge.
Financial difficulties – including a reported debt of £508m – have hampered Barcelona’s pursuit of Raphinha.
And with Leeds seeking cash up front, a move to Catalonia had seemed in the balance.
But the selling of television rights has improved matters.
Desmondeyum
276
Did you know, when Xavi was 19 he almost signed for AC Milan and his father agreed, but his mother threatened to divorce her husband if Xavi left Barcelona? "If he leaves, I want a divorce.", she said.
Ineznik
202
where did u get the money??? Chelsea to Barca 😂😂😂
whykallar
133
I thought they said Barcelona doesn’t have money[Crylaugh][byebye]
Salvadornorbety
20
This will be Awesome
Philchetz
18
here we go 😂😂😂😂😂
Alusaimeen
13
Lohbckost
10
Did you know, when Xavi was 19 he almost signed for AC Milan and his father agreed, but his mother threatened to divorce her husband if Xavi left Barcelona? "If he leaves, I want a divorce.", she said.
[image]
And the rest is history 😌
pikalmnruz
9
Did you know, when Xavi was 19 he almost signed for AC Milan and his father agreed, but his mother threatened to divorce her husband if Xavi left Barcelona? "If he leaves, I want a divorce.", she said.
[image]
source: Trust me bro.