Raphinha is one of the forwards of the moment in Europe. His explosion with FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick has placed him among the best wingers in the world and, just as happened last summer, several big clubs in Europe will be keeping a close eye on his future. Mainly in England, where the Brazilian already shone with Leeds United between 2020 and 2022.
In this sense, two giants of the Premier League are willing to put a fortune on the table for the 28-year-old player. One of them is Arsenal, who in 2024 wanted to sign him with an offer close to 65 million euros. This year, the 'gunners' could raise their proposal to 80 million euros. However, the Londoners will have a tough rival in the market: Manchester City. The 'sky blue' team wants to strengthen their attacking trio in the summer with a 'top' signing and they would be willing to put 100 million euros for Raphinha.
Beyond this stance, Pep Guardiola would only give the green light to his signing if two conditions are met: on one hand, the 'ok' from Barça for his departure and, on the other hand, the desire of the Porto Alegre native to return to the Premier League. Rafa established himself in the elite with Leeds in the 2021-22 season, scoring 11 goals and providing 3 assists in 35 matches under Marcelo Bielsa. This performance convinced Barça to pay 58 million euros to sign him in the summer of 2022.
Raphinha will have the final say on his future
In any case, beyond the multiple offers that may reach the Blaugrana offices, the club will leave the decision about his future in the hands of the Brazilian. Barça maintains this same stance with all its key players and Rafa has earned, through goals and leadership, this possibility in the 2024-25 season. The winger is under contract until June 2028 and has a release clause of 1 billion euros.
For now, the player remains convinced of staying in Barcelona, where he has always dreamed of being a legend and winning everything. His stats this season are simply spectacular: 20 goals and 10 assists in 29 matches, surpassing what other Brazilian stars at Barça like Ronaldo Nazário, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Neymar Jr. achieved. The latter had the best statistics with the Blaugrana jersey in the 2015-16 season (31 goals and 25 assists in 49 matches), a season in which, by mid-January, he had slightly more modest numbers than Raphinha (18 goals and 13 assists in 23 matches).