FC Barcelona is already working on the sports planning for the next season, and one of Hansi Flick's top priorities is to strengthen the right wing of the attack. The German coach, newly arrived on the Barça bench, considers it crucial to have two top-level players per position. While he trusts Raphinha, he knows that the Brazilian performs better when he feels pressure and competition.
In that context, Hans Dieter Flick saw it clearly from the beginning and initially showed interest in the Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian was the coach's great desire to strengthen the right profile, but his recent renewal with Liverpool has completely closed that path. The sports management, therefore, has reactivated other options that were already on the table and could fit Barça's economic reality.
Barça doesn't want to repeat past mistakes and is clear that they must aim well in the market. Flick wants the new signing not only to compete with Raphinha but to raise the overall level of the blaugrana attack. He won't be a substitute, but a high-level alternative that allows for managing efforts and increasing internal competitiveness.
Ballon d'Or Level
Raphinha's season has been the best since his arrival at Camp Nou, the Brazilian winger has felt more comfortable. He has been more decisive and has found his space in a system that has favored him. Hansi Flick values that performance and doesn't want to destabilize the player; on the contrary, he understands that to see the best version of the Brazilian, he must be motivated and feel much more important.
Raphinha has replied when the team has needed him, both in La Liga and in the Champions League. The coaching staff acknowledges that, not having a direct competitor for the position, he has played more minutes. Flick believes that healthy competition can further enhance his football, and Barça is studying the market in search of a player who can fully occupy that role.
Saudi Arabia Presses for Raphinha
The idea of bringing in a new winger doesn't mean they want to sell Raphinha. Barça doesn't have him on the transferable list and is happy with his progression. However, they are aware that Saudi Arabia could come back this summer, especially if the club manages to win the Champions League.
From the sports leadership, they fear that a million-dollar offer could tempt the Brazilian, who has already received proposals in the past. If Barça triumphs in Europe, Raphinha's market value will skyrocket, and Saudi clubs could put figures on the table that are impossible to match for European soccer.
Despite this, the priority is to keep him in the squad. Flick has conveyed to Deco that he wants to build the team with pure wingers and dribblers, a figure that is scarce in the market. Therefore, the new reinforcement won't arrive to replace anyone but to complement an offensive line that wants to be formidable in Europe.