Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail has just backed up something we already knew – Raphinha is going to join Barcelona.
We’d long given up on the idea of the winger coming to Chelsea, but this has put the final nail in the coffin.
The Brazilian always preferred to join the Catalan club, the question was just whether they could afford him. Their sale of 10% of their TV rights two weeks ago has freed up some ready cash for them, and they can now finally make it happen.
On Chelsea: expecting Raheem Sterling to join the group in LA this week – potentially Tuesday. Raphinha, however, is off to Barcelona.
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) July 10, 2022
The latest Tweet from Fabrizio Romano is a little less certain on what’s going on, but we’re just about ready to give up on this move.
Raphinha, pushing with Leeds to get the deal done with Barcelona. He’s fighting to join Barça in the coming days after proposal improved – no final green light yet from Leeds. 🇧🇷 #FCB
Dembélé, waiting for Barça approval after new two-year deal agreed – could be signed next week. pic.twitter.com/YhHxiYE18F
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2022
He wants to go to Barcelona, and they now have the money to make it happen. The haggling could go on for ages, but there’s no reason to now think the deal won’t happen.
It’s time to move on.
