Raphinha considering moving to the Premier League

Raphinha is considering leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. The decision, according to SPORT, would be based on strictly sporting matters, because the Brazilian has not received any kind of internal pressure (either from the coaching staff or the sporting direction) to accept any of the juicy offers from the Premier League that he has had on the table for months.

The winger is considering a departure from Barça because he fears he will have far fewer quality minutes next season. The loss of a starring role would be due to the fact that Ousmane Dembele is Xavi's favourite for his natural position. He would start the season as a substitute. And, also, the possible repatriation of Leo Messi would substantially reduce the number of minutes in the big games for the other strikers, even if they do not occupy the same position.

On paper, from August onwards there could be a new attacking trident: Dembélé, Leo Messi and Lewandowski. And, the main casualty would be 'Rapha' who has played in the starting line-up since Ousmane was injured at Montilivi at the end of January.

Raphinha mulls. In his first season in Blaugrana, he is doing a great job. He has double double figures: with 10 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and has successfully overcome the process of adaptation, of changing Leeds United for Barça. And this is not a minor detail, it may be for a part of the Barcelonismo rushing to win important titles, but it is not for the protagonist himself and for the Blaugrana coaching staff, who value very much the growth of the Brazilian in recent months.

Not losing his place in Brazil's starting line-up

Not being a sacred cow in Xavi's Barça could have a very painful direct consequence for Raphinha: losing the possibility of playing with the Seleçao, which will begin a new sporting cycle in July with the appointment of the new coach, which everything suggests will be Carlo Ancelotti if his departure from Real Madrid is confirmed.

At Qatar 2022, where he was a starter under Tite, Raphinha was unable to perform at his best. And, in March, he was dealt a blow by the CBF when interim coach Ramon Menezes (who is in charge of Brazil's Under-20s) left him out of the squad for a friendly in Morocco. It was a very hard morale blow for the Blaugrana winger.

In September, the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup begin and, at the end of next season, there will be the Copa America to be played in the United States. The position of right winger in the 'Canarinha' is open and 'Rapha' is one of the candidates to occupy it alongside Antony (United) and Madrid's Rodrygo, who would have the advantage of having Ancelotti as coach.

Happy and adapted to the club and the city

Playing for Barça was a childhood dream of Raphinha's that he has been able to fulfil. His family is very happy in Catalonia (much happier than they were in Leeds). In the next few months, his first child will be born. His idea was to stay at Barcelona for many years, not only to fulfil his contract but also to renew it, but today he does not rule out that there could be an unexpected twist in the script. Sporting matters rule.

Raphinha has not yet decided which club he can join. His agent, who is Deco, has three offers: Chelsea, who last year had already reached a transfer agreement with Leeds United; Arsenal, who have been insisting for many months with constant calls from their sporting director, the Brazilian Edu Gaspar to his agent; and Newcastle, who are the last to have made an approach to the Blaugrana. 

All of them assure him a higher salary than the one he receives in Barcelona, which is 12 million euros gross. Regardless of his destination, Barça would only authorise his departure if there is a transfer price stipulated between 70 and 80 million euros.