Barcelona may have to sell players this summer due to Financial Fair Play, according to Fabrizio Romano, which could perhaps put Raphinha’s future at the club in some doubt.
Nothing has been completely decided yet for Raphinha, but, speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that there is interest in the Brazil international from clubs in the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League.
The transfer news expert says the interest has been there for some time, but that there now could be more doubt about Raphinha’s future due to Barca needing to balance the books and avoid FFP breaches.
It remains to be seen if this will definitely happen or if there’s still time for Raphinha to turn his form around for Xavi’s side, but it’s fair to say that he makes sense as someone the Catalan giants could look to offload after his lack of impact at the Nou Camp so far.
Raphinha transfer situation explained in Romano’s latest column.
Discussing Raphinha’s future, Romano said: “We’ve heard a lot of stories about Raphinha’s future almost ever since he first joined Barcelona from Leeds. Much of it was just normal speculation, but now things could change this summer.
“My information is that Raphinha could be one of the players targeted by clubs in the summer…and at some point, Barca will have to sell some players because of Financial Fair Play. Saudi interest was there already last summer, but from England too.
“Still, no decision has been made on Raphinha just yet, but let’s see what happens as interest is there and some sales will be needed.”
It will be interesting to see who ends up coming in for the 27-year-old if he is available, but a return to England could make sense after he shone during his time at Leeds United.