Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano has affirmed that Barcelona forward Raphinha is certainly in the good books of the club, and the management trusts him for the ‘present and future’.
Given the current state of finances, Barcelona have been forced to take extreme measures in order to comply with the growing wage bill and the Financial FairPlay order. This potentially includes future sales of those who can bring in big money.
One name that has popped out in recent times is Raphinha, who only joined Barcelona last summer. The Brazil international, after a rather slow start, has settled well within the first team, having scored two winning goals in each of Barcelona’s last two outings.
Regardless of his performance, however, Barcelona is aware of the fact that the 26-year-old remains one of their biggest cash cows. This made the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United extremely attentive to his situation.
Romano, though, has confirmed that Barcelona are extremely happy with the player and although uncertainty regarding their Financial FariPlay status remains, Raphinha is expected to be a Barcelona player as he, himself, loves the club.
“There are some reports circulating about Chelsea and Newcastle wanting to sign Raphinha,” Romano wrote on Caught Offside.
“I’m sure Barcelona are very happy with Raphinha, so, again, let’s see what happens with Financial Fair Play but Barça want to trust Raphinha for the present and future and he loves the club,” he added.
From a sporting perspective, parting ways with Raphinha makes absolutely no sense as he, even if Ousmane Dembele comes back from injury and reclaims his starting position, will remain a vital member of the roster.
As far as finances are concerned, the story changes altogether mostly because both Chelsea and Newcastle United are capable of splashing a generous amount. The Premier League duo is in the midst of a heavy rebuilding project and Raphinha is truly capable of being the key.
At the moment, however, Barcelona do not intend to sell him regardless of the fact that they need to bring in at least €150 million by June.
