Because their well-documented financial problems don't seem to be going away anytime soon, Barcelona will be forced to make one or two significant sales this summer, especially as the club's owners want to raise as much money as possible for the next incoming manager.
Several players have been linked with a move away during the upcoming transfer window, including the likes of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. One of the main candidates to leave is Raphinha, as he is unlikely to be a regular starter due to the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha was signed by Leeds United in the summer of 2022 with high expectations, although he has struggled to command a regular place since arriving. Ousmane Dembele was the first choice on the right wing last season, and now it seems that Lamine Yamal is the one now, despite the fact that he is only 16 years old.
That final point is crucial for Barcelona, as Lamine Yamal cannot play every minute going forward. He needs to be managed effectively if he is to avoid injury and continue to reach his potential, but if Raphinha leaves, chances are he will start more than he should.
That point was proven when Raphinha was injured between January and February. Lamine Yamal started eight games on the spin during that period, which was incredibly dangerous. If the Brazilian leaves in the summer – which seems likely – then this has the possibility of repeating again going forward, especially since Barcelona do not have another natural right winger (Ferran Torres can play there, but he tends to play at to the left or to the left. in the middle).
At this stage, it may not be wise for Barcelona to sell Raphinha, although it will depend entirely on the fee they can command. Saudi Arabia would probably attract the biggest number, but it's hard to see Raphinha agreeing to a move to the Middle East – a Premier League return is much more possible.
If Raphinha is sold, it is imperative that Barcelona have a new right-back in the pipeline, someone who can compete with Lamine Yamal in the way that Raphinha has this season. They simply cannot afford to go into the next season with only the teenager in that position, otherwise they risk repeating the mistakes of the past – see Ansu Fati.
It might make more sense for one or two central defenders to be sold instead of Raphinha, like Barcelona have a surplus in that position. However, it looks like Raphinha will be one of those sold, which could be a mistake.
