Manchester United are reportedly strategizing a surprising swap deal to bring Brazilian international Raphinha from Barcelona to Old Trafford. Initially, reports from Spain suggested that Barcelona were considering offering the £68 million-rated player, along with additional cash, to secure the transfer of Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United.
More recent reports, however, indicate that Manchester United may be prepared to trade Jadon Sancho for Raphinha in the upcoming summer transfer window. Sancho, who was loaned to Borussia Dortmund mid-season following a fallout with United manager Erik ten Hag, might not have a future at Old Trafford. This uncertainty is compounded by the likelihood that Ten Hag will continue as manager. During his loan spell, Sancho played a pivotal role in helping Borussia Dortmund reach the UEFA Champions League final.
According to Catalan source Nacional, Borussia Dortmund are interested in making Sancho’s move permanent but are financially constrained, unable to meet the £40 million valuation set by Manchester United. As a result, Manchester United have proposed a swap deal, exchanging Sancho for Raphinha, a player Barcelona is reportedly eager to offload.
Raphinha, who is 27 years old, was instrumental in Barcelona’s successful 2022-23 La Liga campaign, contributing significantly to the team’s title win. However, the emergence of young talent Lamine Yamal on the right wing has reduced Raphinha’s starting opportunities. Last season, Raphinha managed only 17 starts in the league. Despite limited starts, he still made substantial contributions, being involved in over 20 goals across all competitions under Xavi’s management. His abilities could greatly enhance Manchester United’s right-wing position, which has been identified as one of the team’s weaker areas.
The potential swap deal reflects Manchester United’s strategy to strengthen their squad by bringing in a player who can offer immediate impact. Raphinha’s proven track record in La Liga, coupled with his international experience, makes him a valuable asset. His ability to deliver in crucial moments could be precisely what Manchester United need to bolster their attacking options.
On the other side, Barcelona’s willingness to let go of Raphinha stems from a combination of tactical adjustments and financial considerations. The rise of Lamine Yamal and the need to balance the books have pushed Barcelona to consider offloading some of their high-value players. The swap deal with Manchester United presents an opportunity for Barcelona to address these issues while still acquiring a talented player in Sancho.
Sancho’s return to Borussia Dortmund on a permanent basis was seen as a viable option, but financial constraints have complicated this prospect. The proposed swap deal could thus serve the interests of all parties involved: Manchester United could address their right-wing problem, Barcelona could manage their squad and finances more effectively, and Sancho could find a new start, possibly reinvigorating his career away from the pressures at Old Trafford.
