The success of Real Madrid contrasts with the challenges of FC Barcelona
While Real Madrid enjoys calm after a triumphant season with titles in the League, Champions League and Spanish Super Cup, FC Barcelona faces a more complicated scenario. Joan Laporta and his management team are working hard to find solutions that balance the club’s finances and allow them to strengthen the squad according to the wishes of Hansi Flick, the new coach.
Raphinha’s situation at FC Barcelona
Among the many folders that the Catalan club has open is Raphinha’s. The Brazilian playmaker, who arrived from Leeds United for a considerable sum of 60 million euros two seasons ago, has gone from strength to strength at Barça. Despite some criticism and gestures of frustration when he was replaced, Raphinha has shown remarkable commitment to the club, especially during the final stretch of last season, where under the direction of Xavi Hernández he managed to shine after a strategic change of position.
Raphinha’s expendability for Hansi Flick
However, with the arrival of Hansi Flick, Raphinha’s situation in the Barça team has taken an unexpected turn. The new German coach does not see a clear place for the Brazilian in his tactical scheme. Flick has expressed a preference for other wide players with more depth, such as Lamine Yamal on the right and Nico Williams on the left, leaving Raphinha in a dispensable position within the team. This decision has negatively impacted the player, who has recently admitted to having had a difficult time during the criticism and ups and downs in his performance.
Raphinha’s possible departure
For the sake of both the player and the club, the most viable solution seems to be his departure. Fortunately for Laporta, Raphinha is not without a market. Premier League teams, where he made a good impression during his time at Leeds, have shown interest in acquiring him. Newcastle are emerging as one of the main interested parties, willing to match the €60 million that Barça originally paid for his services.
However, at the moment, there are no firm offers. While the South American player also has no immediate plans to leave Barcelona. The Brazilian is convinced of his ability to contribute to the Barça team and wants to continue in the culé team. He wants to recover the best version of himself and succeed at Barça. The offer he can get from the Catalan capital should be very important.