Raphinha has been at Barcelona for two seasons now but has struggled to win over the fanbase. The jury is still out with regards to his performances and stylistic fit to the club despite the player coming up with impressive performances consistently.
Last season, he was the club’s second-best attacker behind Lamine Yamal and had the best numbers in terms of goals and assists. He was the only Blaugrana player to hit double digits in both metrics, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 37 appearances.
His performances against PSG in the two legs of the quarterfinals of the Champions League will forever be etched in Cules’ hearts. Xavi used Raphinha in multiple positions, playing him as a right winger, left winger, and even as a #8 in midfield.
However, Barcelona are strongly pursuing a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. Hansi Flick dreams of signing the 22-year-old. This could result in Raphinha falling down the pecking order with the right wing almost exclusively reserved for Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona also have Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati in the ranks and might consider selling an attacker, should a suitable offer come in. As per SPORT, such an offer could come for the Brazilian winger from Premier League side Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s side are on the verge of agreeing a €65-70m deal with SPL club Al-Ittihad to sell Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman was a crucial cog in the Spanish tactician’s plans and Villa will have to replace him. This is where Raphinha comes in.
With around a similar amount to work with for a new signing, Aston Villa might try and tempt the 27-year-old to leave Barcelona and come back to the Premier League, where he made a name for himself with Leeds United.
If such an offer were to come in for Raphinha, Deco & co. are likely to be tempted to take the money, especially if signing Nico Williams is a sure thing. It will also help the club make space in the squad and the payroll.
Raphinha has been a great, often underappreciated servant to Barcelona. However, considering our current financial predicament, if a suitable offer comes in for him, we must take it. If we bring in Nico, our wing is sorted for the present and the future and it would make sense to take the cash and part ways with the Brazilian, albeit with a heavy heart.
