FC Barcelona are aware that they are still in a position where difficult decisions can not be ruled out. The Catalan giants are in a particularly dangerous financial situation, and there is certainly some deadwood in the team. However, no matter who it is, Barcelona may have to make the difficult decision to part ways as per the situation.
Yet, the decisions will also be more than just financial ones. Sportingly, not every player holds the same weight in the team, and if they are not important enough to keep, perhaps selling them off for a considerable offer would not be a bad idea. Moreover, it seems that a certain wonderkid’s eruption could be to blame for a potential departure from Barcelona.
As highlighted by Alex Pintanel (h/t Barca Times), Lamine Yamal has taken over the world by storm. The 16-year-old winger, with his tricky technique and masterful left foot, has already become a mainstay in the team. Moreover, thanks to Raphinha’s injury, the youngster has had even more chances to showcase his talents.
Consequently, however, it is in fact Raphinha who thus becomes a prime option to be sold in the summer. With Yamal now providing great performance after great performance, arguably as Barça’s most lethal attacker, Raphinha’s value continues to decline. Having already missed multiple games, he is set to miss even more time due to his recovery.
Even right now, Pintanel suggests that there is interest in the player from England and Saudi Arabia. Two teams from the Premier League, one of them being Tottenham Hotspur, have reportedly also come into contact with the player’s entourage. However, at least for Raphinha at the moment, his desire lies in Barcelona.
Yet, as the situation evolves, those expectations of his may need to change. In the event that he continues to lose prominence, get overshadowed by Lamine Yamal, and taking into account Barça’s financial crisis, Raphinha may have to be the one being sacrificed to generate some much-needed income.
