Barcelona are reportedly going to wait until Thursday for Benfica to potentially make a satisfactory offer for Rafinha, depending on their Champions League fate.
The 25-year-old may well feel rightly aggrieved that an exit from the Nou Camp is still being discussed as having impressed during his loan spell with Inter last season, he perhaps made a strong argument to be given a chance with the Catalan giants this season.
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Rafinha made 17 Serie A appearances for the Italian giants, helping them secure Champions League qualification, and so injury free and playing consistently, he looked capable of being an important part of the squad at Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo though, his future at the club is still under major doubt as it’s claimed that Benfica have stepped up their interest in the €30m-rated star, and if they qualify for the group stage of the Champions League following their clash with PAOK on Wednesday night, they could swoop for him.
While the deadline passes in Spain on Friday night, the transfer window remains open in Portugal until next month, as per FIFA, and so it would appear as though if Benfica do swoop, they won’t need to be in a major rush.
However, should Barcelona wish to sign a replacement before Spain’s deadline, then of course a deal would have to be rushed through in the next 48 hours or so.
With that in mind, it promises to be a potentially busy end to the window for the La Liga champions, while Rafinha will be hoping to sort out his future and perhaps secure a prominent role elsewhere as opposed to sitting on the bench at Barca.