Xavi Blocks FC Barcelona Raphinha Sale: Reports

FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has blocked the potential sale of Raphinha this summer, making it clear he counts on the winger “100%”, according to AS.

The Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou ahead of last season, and famously told his agent Deco to wait for Barca to come in for him after former club Leeds United had already accepted a £55 million offer ($68 million) from Chelsea.

The Catalans then pulled one of their ‘economic levers’, and bought the 26-year old for the same price which allowed him to complete a dream move following in the footsteps of family friend Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian has suffered mixed fortunes in his maiden term in Spain. Though his work rate can never dismissed, there have been some flat performances in big games and fans have sometimes doubted whether he is worthy of his lofty price tag.

Still, Raphinha notching double figures in both goals and assists in his debut campaign is nothing to be sniffed at, and Xavi has constantly backed his charge in public.

With Barca’s financial situation being what it is, though, which leaves them needing to shed €200 million ($218 million) from the wage bill, Raphinha had previously been touted as a sellable asset in the upcoming transfer market.

Xavi’s four-man midfield system means that there is only room for one pure wideman in the starting line up – Ousmane Dembele – and Newcastle United’s €80 million ($88 million) interest in Raphinha according to Mundo Deportivo puts his future in Catalonia in doubt.

Over at AS, though, they report that Xavi has told Deco – who could soon become a sporting director at Barca – and president Joan Laporta that he is counting on Raphinha “100%” in 2023/2024.

The manager has argued that it will “be difficult to find a better profile on the market than the Brazilian’s”, and that he is “very happy with his performance”.

Furthermore, Dembele’s penchant for picking up injuries also highlights the need to have ample back up. After the Frenchman hobbled off with a knock against Girona in January, Raphinha took his place in the first XI and scored important goals key to Barca winning their first La Liga title in four years.

If true, the news should come as a relief to Raphinha who “does not want to leave under any circumstances”.

But it won’t be welcomed by Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres elsewhere on the wings, who will likely be moved on.