In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo revealed that Barcelona are willing to cash in on Raphinha as they are open to letting him leave to raise funds for other incoming acquisitions next year. It is believed that the Catalan club might use the South American player as a makeweight to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Raphinha’s Season Of Mixed Emotions At Barcelona
Raphinha is having an up-and-down campaign at the Nou Camp but has managed to put in a handful of productive displays on the right side of Barca’s attack. The Brazilian talent has scored a couple of goals and picked up three assists in 11 matches for Xavi’s side this season on all fronts.
The 26-year-old has proven his worth as a decent performer on the right flank by averaging 1.6 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even taken care of the ball when distributing it in the opponent’s half based on his pass completion rate of 80.5% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Raphinha is under contract at the Catalan club until the summer of 2027. Hence, Xavi has no immediate need to let him go unless he wants to raise funds or use him as a makeweight for other incoming arrivals.
Should Barcelona Boss Xavi Let Raphinha Go?
Raphinha is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can use his quickness to make a few dangerous runs with the ball out in the wide areas. He can shoot the ball with venom from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third. Raphinha is primarily a right-winger but can also fill in as a left-sided wide player if asked to do so.
However, the former Leeds United star has to find a way to improve his offensive numbers if he wants to remain at the Catalan club for the duration of his contract. On his day, Raphinha can be an important player for Xavi.
However, Barcelona should consider using him as a makeweight to bring Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes to the Nou Camp in 2024 if Xavi wants his side to challenge for even more major trophies over the next few years.
