Barcelona have been doing all they can to nudge Raphinha towards the exit door this summer, knowing that the funds that could be raised from his sale would allow them room to recruit in the transfer market. The Blaugrana forward is keen to remain at the club though.
New manager Hansi Flick flew a convoy of 31 Barcelona players to the USA on Sunday night, the majority of which are academy players, but Raphinha has gone straight to Orlando, Florida, to join up with the team there. The same is the case for Jules Kounde too.
Raphinha says he is looking forward to working with Hansi Flick, amid talk of offers for him. #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/zvj9OBS84e
— Football España (@footballespana_) July 29, 2024
Upon landing in the USA, Raphinha signed autographs and was asked whether he was looking forward to working with Flick – ‘Always’ was his response. Already at the start of preseason Raphinha published that he was looking forward to starting his third season at Barcelona.
Raphinha: "I'm looking forward to working under Hansi Flick." @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 29, 2024
This comes against a backdrop of reported offers from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, who some say are willing to spend big on Raphinha. The Brazilian is yet to hire an agent since Sporting Director Deco took on his role at Barcelona, a sure sign he has no intention of going anywhere. Meanwhile Barcelona feel, or hope, that if they can sign Nico Williams, then it might persuade him that he might not have the required minutes at Barcelona.
