Barcelona is reportedly considering selling Brazilian forward Raphinha for a fee of €55 million during the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the club is open to offloading Raphinha for the same amount they paid to acquire him from Leeds United in 2022.
Although his contract with Barcelona runs until 2027, Raphinha is reportedly not eager to leave this summer, complicating the club’s efforts to entertain offers for him.
His recent performances have also improved significantly, with Raphinha scoring four goals and providing three assists in his last six appearances across all competitions.
This season, Raphinha has contributed nine goals and 12 assists in 35 outings, showcasing his importance to the team. However, Barcelona is contemplating a major overhaul of their squad following a season marked by disappointing results and a lack of silverware.
The club’s financial circumstances, strained due to their underwhelming performances on the pitch, will play a crucial role in determining the extent of their activity in the summer transfer window.
Historically, winning titles has been a reliable way for Barcelona to generate revenue. However, their recent struggles have made it challenging to secure significant signings without making corresponding sales.
The Blaugrana’s hopes of securing La Liga were dashed after a 4-2 defeat to Girona, and they risk missing out on qualification for the Supercopa de Espana if they fail to secure a second-place finish in the league. These setbacks are expected to result in substantial financial losses for the club.
Additionally, Barcelona’s failures in other competitions, such as the Champions League, Supercopa de Espana, and Copa del Rey, have further exacerbated their financial woes. The club’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup has also deprived them of a significant financial windfall.
Consequently, despite being linked with high-profile names like Bernardo Silva, Joshua Kimmich, Martin Zubimendi, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Barcelona may struggle to make major signings in the upcoming transfer window.
To alleviate their financial situation, the club is reportedly open to offers for key players in their squad, including Ronald Araujo, Frenkie De Jong, and Jules Kounde. Furthermore, there is speculation that Barcelona could part ways with Robert Lewandowski, despite the striker expressing his desire to remain with the club.
The decision to potentially sell Raphinha reflects Barcelona’s broader strategy to balance their books and fund new signings. Although the Brazilian forward has proven his value on the pitch, the club’s financial realities necessitate tough decisions.
The prospect of selling other high-value players underscores the severity of Barcelona’s economic challenges. With significant financial pressure and the need to improve their squad, Barcelona’s management faces a delicate balancing act in the transfer market.
