Barcelona are reportedly edging closer to sending Rafinha to Real Betis on loan with an option to buy for €30m ahead of the summer transfer window deadline in Spain.
After impressing for the B team, the 25-year-old has struggled to make his mark for the Barcelona senior side on a consistent basis with injury woes and competition for places keeping him out.
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Having made just 79 appearances for the Catalan giants since making his breakthrough in 2011, it’s evidently not enough for either party, and so another loan exit to join Inter for the second half of last season seemed like a sensible decision.
Rafinha proved his quality with the Italian giants, making 17 Serie A appearances as he played a key role in helping Luciano Spalletti’s side qualify for the Champions League.
While it was a surprise to see Inter not turn that into a permanent move, it’s arguably an even bigger one that Rafinha hasn’t convinced Barcelona to keep him at the Nou Camp as they look to compete on multiple fronts this season.
There is perhaps an argument to be made that the Brazilian international could prove to be a useful option at Ernesto Valverde’s disposal, and coupled with his impressive form last year, he has momentum on his side and will be eager to continue to improve.
However, as per Calciomercato, it’s suggested via reports in Spain that Barcelona are close to reaching an agreement with Betis on an initial loan deal with a €30m option, with his father now said to be in the city to step up negotiations and reach a deal.
Although Valverde does have various options to play in the middle, particularly after adding Arthur and Arturo Vidal to fill voids left behind by departures, it remains questionable as to whether shipping Rafinha out again is the right decision at a time when he looks capable of really having an impact.