FC Barcelona already understand the dangers and consequences of not planning ahead. The Blaugranes have come into a massively detrimental financial position as a result of previous carelessness. Now, however, Barcelona no longer want to make those same mistakes again.
Planning ahead to the summer, La Blaugrana know that certain players may need to be sold. With the need to bring in huge sums of transfer fees now quite high, Barça want to ensure that they sell the right players without damaging the sporting integrity of the team.
One player who definitely seems to be on the verge of losing his place in the first team is Raphinha. The Brazilian winger, formerly from Leeds United, has suffered a lot of irregularities during this ongoing season. With 16-year-old Lamine Yamal now having taken his spot, it seems that a summer move may not be off the cards.
Accordingly, as per Mundo Deportivo, several teams in the Premier League continue to keep an eye on him. Due to his displays with Leeds United, there is still a market for the player over in England, and one that looks at the winger favorably.
Top sides like Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and even West Ham are reportedly keeping tabs on him. They remain aware of the fact that he is not exactly the first-choice winger at Barcelona anymore, and unlike the Catalan giants, they may see something in him worth investing large sums for.
For Barcelona, Raphinha’s time at the club has not exactly been too enlightening. Having arrived in the summer of 2022, Barcelona paid €58 million in fixed amounts for him to Leeds United, with an additional €7 million in variables. La Blaugrana chose to invest such a sizeable fee despite being in a financial predicament, showcasing their expectations from the Brazilian.
However, they now mainly look to recoup that amount they spent. While it may not be an easy task, Barcelona are aware of the English market’s interest in the winger. Using this to their advantage, they may be able to get a good deal for him.