Raphinha’s debut season at FC Barcelona has had its share of ups and downs. While the Brazilian has come up clutch in several key moments in important matches, there have also been occasions when his actions have been a cause of frustration among the fans.
In all, though, it has been a largely positive campaign for the Brazilian who has netted ten goals and set up 11 more from 44 games in all competitions for the Blaugrana.
However, given the club’s need to make important sales in the summer transfer window in order to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play guidelines, Raphinha’s name has been linked with a summer exit, with the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham interested.
Now, journalist Achraf Ben Ayad is reporting that Barcelona will sell Raphinha in the summer if a ‘special’ offer arrives for the former Leeds United winger.
Heading into the transfer window, Barça’s first priority will be sales as they need to clear out space to register the new contracts of Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and others, while also signing new players.
And, it is difficult for some of the current stars to remain at the club beyond this season. Ansu Fati, for one, seems likely to be on his way out, while question marks remain over the continuity of last summer signing Franck Kessie as well.
Now, Raphinha, too, has been dragged into the equation as a possible departee, but Barcelona will only consider his sale if a ‘special’ offer were to arrive.
The Catalans spent €58 million (plus €7 million add-ons) to sign Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer, signing him on a five-year contract until 2027. It means that more than €40 million of his transfer fee is yet to be amortised.
So, for the club to generate net profit from the Brazilian’s sale, they will have to receive a bumper offer, with reports suggesting that Barça will likely consider bids around the €90 million mark.
While he is generating interest in England, it seems unlikely that any club would be willing to spend as much as €90 million on his signing. In that scenario, Raphinha could end up remaining a Barcelona player next season.
