Raphinha was one of the most influential players for FC Barcelona last night as the Catalans got a 1-0 victory over Las Palmas in La Liga. It was the Brazilian’s goal from a header that broke the deadlock well into the second half, and this goal was enough to get the Blaugranes the full three points.
Although he has not been as important for Barcelona as he was in the last match, his numbers have been consistent since he has arrived at the Catalan club. This season, he already has accumulated six goals and nine assists, despite spending a considerable time on the sidelines because of his two injuries.
But despite these satisfactory performances, his future at Barcelona is far from certain. This has been confirmed by SPORT, which claims that the Catalan club is willing to listen to offers for him in the coming summer, even though the player himself has no intentions of leaving.
After Ousmane Dembele left for PSG in the last summer transfer window, Raphinha was expected to be the first choice for Xavi on the right-wing. However, Lamine Yamal’s spectacular emergence and Ferran Torres good form relegated him to the third spot for this position.
However, in the last few weeks, the Brazilian has been able to reassert a claim for a more important role in the team. Still he has shown a tendency to struggle in the matches against bigger sides, which is one of his most notable weaknesses.
Currently, Xavi is counting on both him and Lamine Yamal in games with smaller stakes. However, it remains to be seen how Xavi will go into the upcoming Champions League matches, where the stakes are going to be significantly high, and the opposition a lot more tough.
Whatever his situation is at Barcelona, he remain quite high in demand in the European market. This was also the case in the last summer transfer window, when he did not want to leave the Catalan club.
There has been no change in the player’s preference up to now, but Barcelona will push for an exit this time if a good offer comes in.
