FC Barcelona reportedly has significant plans for the upcoming summer window. As per reports, the Catalan giants want to reinforce the team and make a much more competitive squad. Yet, with all their financial uncertainties hanging around, there are no guarantees for Barcelona right now.
In fact, one way through which La Blaugrana can guarantee themselves at least some hope in terms of making purchases in the summer is to first be open to making sales. On that front, certain names pop out more than others, either due to sporting reasons or simply economic ones.
27-year-old Brazilian winger Raphinha, for instance, is one of the names linked to a move away from Barcelona mainly due to the latter reason. Still holding a good market value, as well as a number of suitors from lucrative places, he would be a good asset for Barcelona to consider.
However, according to SPORT, the player himself has no intentions of letting such a move happen. Moreover, the report itself states that the player’s entourage has told SPORT that there is currently no consideration for a move away from the Catalan club.
Instead, the former Leeds United winger hopes to excel with Barcelona. He hopes to continue growing and winning titles in Spain, rather than being shipped off to another club in another country. With his 9 goals and 12 assists this season, Raphinha believes he still has room to develop and continue exceeding his previous versions.
In terms of statistics, that belief may already be valid enough. Last season, one in which Barcelona clinched both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, the winger had 10 goals and 12 assists to his name. With 4 games still left to play in this league season, the forward may end up surpassing his tally from last season.
On the other hand, in the event that Xavi himself is possibly a bit more strict about the forward leaving the club, it is probable that Raphinha’s intentions may change.
The chances of that happening, however, are not too likely. In any case, just as Robert Lewandowski intends to stay with Barcelona, so does Raphinha and it is possible that the arrival of a new winger may be the only way to nudge him in the other direction.
Note: The player’s market value mentioned in the title of this article (€50m) is taken from the Transfermarket portal on the date of the publication of this article.
