Barcelona could study offers for misfiring forward in the summer, Newcastle, Chelsea interested – report

It has been a difficult start to the new season for FC Barcelona winger Raphinha as suspension and injuries have meant that he has been unable to nail down a place for himself in the starting XI.

Following the departure of Ousmane Dembele to PSG during the summer window, it was expected that Raphinha would have a much greater prominence in Xavi’s plans at Barça.

But that has not been the case thus far, with the 26-year-old winger churning out inconsistent displays.

Future under threat?

Given Raphinha’s misfiring displays, SPORT is now reporting that Barcelona are internally debating the future of the Brazilian winger, who still has a demand in the Premier League.

In 11 appearances across all competitions, the former Leeds United man has made just two goals and three assists, when it was expected that he would be one of the team’s leading men heading into the new season.

Barça want a player who can generate constant threat out on the flanks, but that has not been the case with Raphinha, who appears to be short on confidence.

There were moments when he was whistled at by the fans at the Montjuic Stadium on Sunday against Alaves, and the Brazilian is reportedly affected by the criticism.

The La Liga champions are convinced that Raphinha must step up his performances and believe that the international break will help him in that regard. Sporting director Deco has faith in the winger.

However, in case his displays do not take a positive turn for the rest of the season, the Catalans could consider studying offers that come in for him next summer.

Chelsea, Newcastle in the picture

The report adds that Raphinha already had turned down chances to leave Barcelona last summer when he had lucrative proposals from Newcastle United and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

And should his situation not improve, there could again be serious interest in him from the Premier League.

Newcastle, for one, are said to be still keen on the Brazilian international while Chelsea, who had tried to sign him from Leeds United in 2022, still have him on their recruitment list.

Raphinha, though, is not thinking about a departure at this point, but everything will be on the table in the summer, especially if his performances do not improve.