Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has informed Raphinha’s agent and prospective football director Deco as well as club president Joan Laporta that he wants to keep the player
Recently, Xavi met with the two and declared that the Brazilian international is his only choice for the upcoming campaign. Raphinha merely relocated from Leeds United to Spain last summer. He turned down offers to join Barca in a deal worth about €60 million from Arsenal and Chelsea.
His Catalans’ inaugural season has had its ups and downs. His one-man army approach has occasionally seemed out of place in Barcelona’s setup. He doesn’t pass well, and Barca is known for their short passes.
On the other hand, even when he is not at his best, he is a successful attacker. In La Liga, the 26-year-old has helped Barcelona win the championship by scoring seven goals and setting up 14 significant opportunities (5 assists). In all competitions, he has tallied ten goals and provided 12 assists. Managers also value Raphinha’s tenacious defensive work and dogged pursuit of retaliation.
The former Rennes forward is allegedly still desired by Newcastle United and Chelsea. As they get ready for next season’s European football, the Magpies want reinforcements. Raphinha is still required by the Blues. They require attackers who can increase their numbers and focus on the Barca guy. Barcelona gave the deal some thought because they required cash to address their financial predicament. They are unable to sign or register new players at this time.
Raphinha was given a price tag of €80 million, and they awaited offers to come in. However, they will take him off the transfer market as a result of Xavi’s choice. He thinks it will be impossible to find a player with Raphinha’s calibre and profile. Raphinha has also filled in for the injury-prone Ousmane Dembele and is perpetually in shape. Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are two other attackers that Barcelona might want to offload. Other players like Franck Kessie and Jordi Alba might possibly quit the team.
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