Barcelona winger Raphinha has endured a frustrating campaign, far from the rhythm and continuity he expected when the season began.
Recurring physical issues have repeatedly halted his momentum, but despite these setbacks, he continues to be viewed internally as one of Hansi Flick’s most important attacking weapons.
This past weekend offered another reminder of the delicate balance Barcelona are trying to strike with him.
During the league meeting with Real Betis, Raphinha remained on the bench for the entirety of the match.
While some supporters questioned his absence, it quickly became clear that the decision had nothing to do with performance.
Flick opted to rest him as part of his preparation for the upcoming Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt – a fixture where the coach wants his winger close to full strength.
Raphinha opens up
However, as Barcelona manage his recovery and tactical role, speculation about Raphinha’s future has intensified online.
Raphinha has shut down the exit talks. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
In recent weeks, several unverified reports have linked him with a potential move to Saudi Arabia, suggesting that an agreement was already in place for him to leave the club should a substantial offer arrive in the summer.
As it turns out, Raphinha himself decided to put an immediate stop to the narrative.
Responding directly to an Instagram post that pushed the claim, he delivered a blunt and unequivocal message.
In fact, the Brazilian publicly dismissed the rumour when confronted with it on social media.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, he responded, “I don’t know where they get so much nonsense, really. Well, this one, where fake news always comes out, very nice.”
These words, addressed to a well-known Spanish TikToker, leave no ambiguity. By openly calling the story “fake news,” the attacker made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona.