Barcelona fans consider the exit of Rafinha!

The Spanish newspaper “Sport” revealed that Barcelona fans welcomed the departure of Brazilian winger Rafinha during the upcoming summer transfer market.  In a major development, Joaquim Piera of SPORT is reporting that Raphinha is considering the possibility of leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window amidst interest from Premier League big guns like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United. Raphinha only joined Barça in the summer of 2022, arriving from Leeds United in a deal worth €58 million, plus €7 million in add-ons. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign in Spain, scoring ten goals and setting up 11 more, even though he made a slow start. The injury to Ousmane Dembele in January opened the doors for Raphinha and the Brazilian international made the most of it. However, as per the report, the former Leeds United ace is concerned about his game-time at the club next season. Dembele remains the favored option for manager Xavi Hernandez on the right flank and with the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the club increasing, Raphinha’s minutes could get affected. As such, even though he is settled and happy at the club he always dreamt of playing for, the Brazilian international is weighing up the possibility of a return to the Premier League as his potential lack of minutes at Barça could also have an impact on his international career. It is no secret that Raphinha still has admirers in the Premier League. Chelsea, who made a hard push for his signing last summer, continue to remain interested, along with Arsenal, whose director Edu Gaspar has been regularly calling the player’s agent Deco. The newspaper, which launched a referendum for Barcelona fans, stated that 47,000 fans participated in a survey about Ravinha’s departure; the result came with the approval of approximately 86% of the votes for his departure. The newspaper added that despite the effectiveness of the Brazilian winger with Barca during the current season, through his contribution to 21 goals, during 45 matches, as the most decisive winger in the team, though club's fans unwant him to stay. The newspaper pointed out that Rafinha wants to return again to the English Premier League, especially since he expects to disappear with Barcelona in the next season.