In early 2024, calls were being made for Barcelona to sell their €60million player, Raphinha to make room for Euro 2024 winner, Nico Williams. Nico reject signing for Barca and so, the club decided to keep the Brazilian. 17 goals and 10 assists later, Raphinha has become one of Barcelona’s best players, striking up a front three partnership with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, in a team that has scored over 40 goals in less than 15 league matches. He has bagged two hattricks so far this season; one in their 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid, and in arguably his finest showing of the season, against multi time champions league winners and Bundesliga powerhouse, Bayern Munich.
This is impressive from a player whose future at the club wasn’t even certain a few months ago. A player, who was mostly beginning to resemble a €60 million waste of money, has now become one of Barcelona’s best players this season. This is the incredible resurgence of Raphinha.