West Ham United might enter the frame to sign Barcelona’s Rafinha in the summer, but a deal would depend on Inter’s negotiations with the Catalans.
West Ham United are reported to be interested in making a summer move for their wantaway midfielder Rafinha and could start negotiations with Barcelona in the next few days. According to Sport English, the deal hinders on Inter’s stance in their transfer negotiations for the player with parent club Barcelona, as things have got a little complicated.
Rafinha spent the second half of last season on loan at the San Siro and adapted quite well there. By the end of the season, it was clear that the player and Inter had both clicked on the field. A deal to make Rafinha’s move permanent was expected to be wrapped up as soon as possible, but that has not been the case thus far.
Inter’s initial loan deal had a clause wherein they could sign the midfielder for €35 million at the end of the season and only if they make it to the Champions League next season. Inter qualified for the Champions League but have seemingly refused to do a deal with Barcelona, and the price tag is reportedly the reason for their refusal.
Barcelona sent their team of negotiators to Inter and are trying to table new terms of that contract. Inter, on the other hand, backed out because of the financial fair play regulations, which will prevent them spending that amount on the player, even though they want him. Inter will try to negotiate further and see if they can bring the price down to what they are capable of paying.
West Ham, on the other hand, were reported to be in Barcelona to enquire about Rafinha’s availability after news of breakdown in Inter’s initial deal was public. The Hammers have however returned empty handed so far but could enter in talks with Barcelona in the coming days depending upon Inter’s decision, although they would be reportedly ready to pay the player’s asking price.
Rafinha, on the other hand, has not said anything regarding a potential deal but knows his time at Barcelona is indeed over. The Catalans are intent on cashing in on their player this summer in a permanent contract and are unlikely to entertain any loan deal for Rafinha. The player, once linked with a January move to the Premier League, himself is waiting on Inter’s final decision before taking a call on his future.
West Ham are in the market for many players in different positions, and if everything goes well for them might even sign a high profile player like Rafinha. They are interested in bringing other targets as well, including former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure to the London Stadium.
