With Ousmane Dembele sealing a shocking exit from Barcelona to PSG during the summer transfer window, it was believed that Raphinha would gain more prominence and have a greater role in Xavi’s plans.
The Brazilian had arrived at the Catalan outfit in the summer of 2022 from Leeds United in a big-money move.
Even though he made valuable contributions towards Barça’s La Liga triumph, the 26-year-old was not a guaranteed starter for Xavi. But that was expected to change this season following Dembele’s departure.
Raphinha yet to fully convince Xavi
However, that is not how things have turned out for Raphinha as he has failed to nail down a starting berth for Barcelona this season.
Amidst this, MARCA is reporting that the Brazilian international is yet to totally convince manager Xavi Hernandez and has been unable to win the latter’s complete trust.
A mixture of injuries, suspension, and form of other players have contributed to Raphinha’s failure to nail down a spot in the manager’s first XI.
Raphinha began the season as a starter against Getafe but was sent off and was suspended for two matches.
When he returned against Osasuna, Lamine Yamal had taken over the right wing, and he had to alternate between being a substitute and a starter, until he got injured.
Raphinha was in the infirmary for almost all of October and, upon returning, does not seem to have convinced the coach. After all, in the last month and a half, he has only started against Shakhtar Donetsk, with Xavi opting for Yamal, Ferran Torres, or Joao Cancelo on the right.
Raphinha can also play on the left, but Joao Felix, and possibly even Gavi are ahead of him in the pecking on that side.
Interest growing in Raphinha
Even though he is not performing at his optimum level, Raphinha is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League.
Newcastle United and Chelsea, who have been interested in him in the past, continue to monitor him, while more recently, Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keen.
Barça, for their part, could be open to a sale, with a figure of €70 million being mentioned in the media as the Catalans’ asking price.
Needless to say, Raphinha will need to step up in the weeks to come and deliver on the expectations.
