Friday, May 19, 2023 at 1:47 PM• Jordi Tomasowa • Last update: 13:53

Xavi is just counting on Raphinha next season, reports ASH. He would have given that message to chairman Joan Laporta and future sporting director Deco in a meeting he had with both. Raphinha made the switch from Leeds United to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for 58 million euros.

Xavi is reportedly of the opinion that it will be difficult to find a better replacement with a similar profile in the transfer market. In addition, the coach is very satisfied with Raphinha’s performance. Moreover, the Brazilian himself has no desire to leave at all. In recent weeks, it has been widely written in the Spanish media that Raphinha would be allowed to leave the Spotify Camp Nou for the right amount.

At Barça, there is still hope that Lionel Messi can be picked up on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. However, the strict regulations regarding Financial Fair Play make his return impossible for the time being. Raphinha has been counting on a basic place in recent months and has also proven its worth. He has scored 10 goals and 12 assists in 46 official games so far this season.

According to ASH are there other players who are nominated to leave Catalonia. For example, a final decision will be made in the coming weeks about the future of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Jordi Alba and Franck Kessié. In particular, the departure of the Ivorian midfielder would be very beneficial from an accounting point of view, because he is on the balance sheet for nothing due to his transfer-free arrival to Barcelona.