‘Dynamic’ player turned down €100m package to stay at Barcelona

FC Barcelona have had an excellent start to the season under Hansi Flick with four wins from four La Liga games. Many players have had an immense impact to ensure the German coach has a dream start to his tenure at the club.

One player who looks revitalized and rejuvenated this season in the Barcelona team is Raphinha. The 27-year-old looks like a player transformed in Hansi Flick’s system and has three goals and three assists in four La Liga games.

Raphinha’s impressive start to the season culminated in an impressive hattrick against Real Valladolid just before the break. He has since had two weeks to take a break as he was not called up to international duty.

As per SPORT, Raphinha had a huge offer from Saudi Arabia in the summer which would have seen him earn €100m in four seasons. However, the Brazilian turned down this offer to instead choose to stay at Barcelona.

The Saudi club in question is Al-Hilal, which would have given Raphinha the chance to unite with Neymar Jr. The club offered a transfer fee of around €100m with variables that Barcelona were willing to accept.

Raphinha might not always have received affection from Barcelona fans in his two seasons so far but no one can question his passion for the club. The 27-year-old Brazilian, labeled as a ‘dynamic’ player by former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez, would do anything to defend the badge that he is wearing.

Following the first four games of the campaign, Raphinha has turned the heads of the Barcelona faithful and made them fall in love with him. Even when he doesn’t score or assist, the Brazilian is ensuring that he puts in a performance that benefits the team off the ball.

Raphinha has easily been the team’s best presser so far and has played the entire 90 minutes in four consecutive games. He is looking like a player re-born and all fans will be hoping for is that this trend can continue for a long time.