Raphinha remains steadfast in his loyalty to the club despite impending million-dollar sales.
In recent weeks, there has been heightened interest from super agents in Raphinha, one of the Barça footballers who is receiving firm offers from the two most active and affluent markets in today’s football: the Premier League, where he left a great impression during his time at Leeds United, and the burgeoning and lavish Saudi Professional League, which boasts Neymar Jr. and Cristiano Ronaldo as its two big assets, according to Joaquim Piera of SPORT.
Raphinha is without a representative, beyond the guidance he received from a trusted professional, ever since Deco closed his sports agency, D20 Sports, to accept an offer to become the top executive of Barça’s sports structure. The Brazilian, and his protective family circle, are comfortable with the current situation. However, the super agents have begun the initial stages of courting to understand the Brazilian’s intentions regarding the management of his professional career. For instance, Pini Zahavi, during his recent stay in Barcelona, where he met with Joan Laporta and attended the Barça-Naples Champions League match at Montjuïc, coincided with ‘Rapha’ at an informal private event.
So far, none of these prominent representatives has explicitly expressed their desire for him to join their client roster. Everything is in its early stages.
Whoever asks the Gaucho winger, whether in public or in private, about how he envisions his short-term future, always hears the same response. The idea of leaving Barça doesn’t even cross his mind, and unlike others, he doesn’t and won’t prioritize money over the “childhood dream fulfilled” of wearing the Blaugrana colors.
The underlying issue, which is the real reason behind these behind-the-scenes movements, is that Barcelona is aware that they will have to part ways with one or more first-team players to balance the books next summer. These will be million-dollar sales.
Raphinha, whether he likes it or not, is at the center of all attention. Last Saturday, SPORT reported that Barça had received a new offer from Arabia. This is the third attempt this season. Both in the summer and in the January transfer window, the club rejected them, as Deco has stated in his public appearances. It’s clear that no decision will be made hastily, especially considering we’re on the brink of the decisive phase of the season.
