Raphinha: “If I were at another club, I’d think twice about coming here”

In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona winger Raphinha made candid remarks about the club’s current situation during a press conference ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals. When asked about the potential transfers of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, the Brazilian player caught everyone off guard with his honest assessment.

“To be completely honest, and I don’t like to lie, if I were at another club right now, I would seriously consider whether coming here is the best move,” Raphinha stated. This unexpected comment was widely interpreted as a criticism of the club’s management and its ongoing financial difficulties.

Raphinha’s statement reflects the perspective of potential transfer targets who might be hesitant to join Barcelona due to the uncertainty surrounding player registration. It’s a clear indication that the club’s economic challenges are not lost on the players themselves.

Following these remarks, Raphinha proceeded to join his teammates for training. However, just as he was arriving at the training ground, club president Joan Laporta intercepted him for a several-minute conversation. Several media outlets reported that Laporta appeared to be reprimanding the Brazilian for his outspoken comments.

This incident highlights the growing tension within the Barcelona camp regarding the club’s financial situation. The inability to guarantee new signings’ registration has become a significant concern, as evidenced by the recent “Olmo case.” Raphinha’s words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges Barcelona faces in attracting and retaining top talent in the current climate.