It is becoming evidently clear which players at Barcelona are trusted to continue beyond this season. Some of the stars and starlets at the Catalan club are easily noticeable as being much more crucial pieces of the puzzle. Other players, however, seem to be more sellable for Barcelona.
Moreover, with there being a need to make sales in the summer, Barcelona need to get rid of extra baggage. Players that are unable to live up to their price tags or deliver as per expectations are no longer welcome, and there is not much time left in this season to prove to the club that they still deserve a place.
This is especially true for a certain Brazilian winger named Raphinha, according to SPORT. The 27-year-old former Leeds United forward came to the Catalan club with a hefty price tag exceeding €60 million. However, he has failed to deliver the best version of himself in either of the two seasons that he has played.
His statistics are not exactly poor, but they are not exactly of an elite caliber either. In 20 appearances this season, he has only scored 4 goals and provided 7 assists. For a winger with a price tag as high as his, much higher numbers are expected.
However, the coaching staff at Barcelona does like to give him credit as per the report. He is a player who does not shy away from making outrageous attempts or trying things when every outlet seems blocked. Yet, there is another factor that must be considered.
Despite not showing world-class performances at Barcelona on a regular basis, Raphinha continues to have suitors. Having been a proven player in the English Premier League, and a Brazilian international, various sides still continue to keep an eye on him.
Several clubs such as Chelsea, Spurs, and previously even Newcastle United, have shown interest in him. Moreover, even Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal is also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old winger. As it stands, he does not seem to be lacking any interested parties when it comes to a potential departure.
However, the player wants to continue at Barcelona in his ideal scenario. Yet, it will not be so easy for him. Due to his injuries and suspensions this season, he has been overtaken by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal as the team’s priority right winger.
The young Spaniard continues to deliver at an elite level and is a player that Barcelona bets on for the future. Raphinha knows he has to regain his position over the La Masia wonderkid, but he has around four months in total to do that and also prove to Barcelona that he is worth retaining.
