In the midst of the tough poker surrounding Robert Lewandowski, the heavily indebted FC Barcelona struck again on the transfer market. The Catalan giants have joined Brazil international Raphinha from Leeds United. Barca on Wednesday confirmed an “agreement in principle” with the Premier League club and the player, only the winger’s medical is pending. According to media reports, both clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of 55 million euros plus bonuses of up to ten million. Raphinha, who was also being courted by Chelsea, is set to sign a five-year deal at Barcelona.
The 25-year-old is Barcelona’s third signing after defender Andreas Christensen (Chelsea) and Franck Kessié (AC Milan), both of whom were free transfers. Added to this is the goalscorer Lewandowski, 33, who returned to Bayern Munich’s training ground on Wednesday but wants to leave Munich for Barcelona despite his contract running until 2023. However, Barcelona have not yet made an offer that could soften Bayern’s decision that Lewandowski must stay.
