Manchester United: Premier League giants eyeing swap move for attacking options with FC Barcelona

English Premier League giants Manchester United are eyeing a swap deal between FC Barcelona’s attacking forward Raphinha with their own Jadon Sancho. It is expected to be a winter move, in January, as both players have struggled to find their groove this season.

Raphinha to Manchester United?

Raphinha has been one of the clutch stars for Barcelona since his inception at the Spanish giants. Having played some crucial games for English Premier League giants Leeds United under the leadership of stalwart, who were then at the Championship level, Raphinha had earned laurels with the side and played a vital role in Leeds’ promotion to Premier League. His exceptional numbers and exuberant tactics earned him a well-deserved call to Barcelona, who were constantly monitoring his situation, so that they can reinforce their wings after the departure of their legend, Lionel Messi.

Raphinha had impressive numbers for the “Whites”, scoring 17 goals for them and 12 assists in 64 games, which helped Barca to go for a clean sweep at the Brazilian attacker in 2022, for 55 million euros. But, since the start of this season, Raphinha has struggled to rack up numbers for the Catalans as he could barely make into the starting eleven, owing to the rise of youngsters like Lamine Yamal, who has made himself a name, rising through the ranks of the Catalan academy La Masia. Joao Felix, Atletico Madrid loanee has started in almost every game, and as a result, Raphinha has found it difficult to make his impression as a starter.

It is reported that Barcelona is preparing to offload one of their favorite strikers in the winter transfer market, as they are ready to listen to offers for the 27-year old attacker, with several Saudi Pro League sides interested in the potential deal. But, it is reported that another heavyweight club is preparing for his ‘grand welcome’ provided a player is exchanged with the Brazilian.

Jadon Sancho- Manchester United outcast

Jadon Sancho has been one of the big names in the history of English football, with a younger side currently at the fore to play in next year’s European Championships at Germany. But, the former Borussia Dortmund star seems to have been an outcast within the Red Devils squad.

Sancho is predominantly banned from using any facility in Carrington training ground, as he was outspoken and had slammed Erik Ten Hag’s tactics and has been an outcast since September, having excluded from the first team side since then. He was accused of a public fallout at Manchester with Ten Hag, and is reportedly losing game time as he is omitted from squad.

With Raphinha among United’s plans, Erik Ten Hag would be looking to reinforce their attacking prowess, as their forwards have been misfiring since the start of this season, as newly signed Hojlund and Antony has struggled to score goals, as Marcus Rashford and Hojlund could manage only two goals among themselves.

Although Barca is interested in Sancho, it is also reported that Juventus and RB Leipzig would also look for the Englishman, as they are keen on strengthening their attack as the New Year looms near.