Barcelona ahead Raphinha has made it clear that any potential new arrivals might want to match his willpower and energy in the event that they need to safe a spot in Hansi Flick’s facet.
Talking in a latest interview, the Brazilian star addressed Barcelona’s reported curiosity in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, saying he’s open to the problem.
“I don’t thoughts,” mentioned Raphinha. “After this season, I received’t say I’m assured a starter, however whoever is available in should work more durable than me.”
His relaxed angle marks a change from final 12 months, when he reacted angrily to the membership’s hyperlinks with Athletic Membership’s Nico Williams.
The Brazilian ahead has since prolonged his contract at Barcelona till 2028 and credit his determination to stick with the arrival of coach Hansi Flick.
Raphinha loved a spectacular 2024-25 season, scoring 34 objectives and offering 25 assists in all competitions.
Raphinha places any summer season signings at Barcelona on discover that tough work shall be non negotiable 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/lzCZ3Ueurw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 30, 2025
His efforts helped Barca safe a home treble – LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Supercopa – and he’s now thought-about among the many prime contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
“Lots of people needed me gone,” he added. “It’s already a victory simply to be combating for the Ballon d’Or and to be among the many 10 favourites.”
The Brazilian was additionally fast to reward team-mate Lamine Yamal, who signed a brand new contract with the membership this week.
Yamal, nonetheless solely 17, has been one of many revelations of the previous couple of season.
“I’ve by no means seen something like Lamine, not from a 17-year-old and even from a 20-year-old,” Raphinha mentioned. “He has no ceiling. He can go so far as he needs. All of it is dependent upon him.”
He added that he sees Yamal as a youthful brother, providing steering off the pitch however leaving him to work his magic on it.
He mentioned: “If he needs to succeed in the very best level of the sport, he’ll achieve this simply. He has every little thing to be the most effective within the historical past of soccer.”
