While his initial months at the club were not as promising, Raphinha made his intentions to stay at Barcelona loud and clear in the second half of last season. The Brazilian was at the centre of almost every Catalan win, either scoring, assisting, or menacing the opposition defence down the right.
That, however, did not stop the media from linking his name with an exit from the club. After all, Barcelona are under pressure to generate revenue from sales this summer, and the Brazilian is one with a promising market value.
According to ɾєρօɾτs fromJoaquim Piera, Raphinha and his family have no intention of leaving Barcelona in June. The player does not even contemplate the option and sees himself in theBlaugranacolours next season regardless.
It was initially said that Barcelonawould consider offers worth €80 millionor above for the star winger. The situation is no longer clear, and it remains to be seen what the club do if they receive such a proposal.
The 26-year-old has been pivotal in theAzulgranas’ run in La Liga this season, scoring seven goals and providing as many assists in 35 appearances. He also averages 1.7 key passes per game and has created 17 big chances so far.
Chelsea and Newcastle United were amongst the clubs interested in the Brazilian and were even willing to meet Barcelona’s asking price this summer.
However, the manager has conveyed to the administration that he counts on the winger and has asked themnot to sell the star.
Heading into next season, Xavi Hernandez finds himself in a dilemma over the right-wing position. Both Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha have staked a claim over a starting position thɾօυɢҺ merit, and it remains unclear how the manager can use the duo together.
