MX23RW : Monday, September 9 01:53:33| >> :120:40213:40213:

Barcelona's Raphinha 'makes decision' over future amid Aston Villa links

Raphinha update: Brazilian 'makes transfer decision' amid Villa links
© Reuters
Brazil international Raphinha reportedly makes a final decision over his Barcelona future amid speculation linking him with a move to Aston Villa.

Barcelona winger Raphinha has reportedly made a final decision over his future amid interest from Aston Villa.

The Villans have already made a number of additions this summer, having recruited Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Enzo Barrenechea, Lewis Dobbin, Samuel Iling-Junior, Jaden Philogene and Cameron Archer.

Villa boss Unai Emery is still keen to make further signings as he looks to build a squad that can compete with Europe's elite teams in the Champions League.

While Iling-Junior, Philogene and Dobbin have bolstered Emery's wide options, Football Insider recently reported that Aston Villa were considering a move for Raphinha.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the match on May 9, 2024© Reuters

Raphinha makes decision over Barcelona future

Having competed in the Champions League in the last two seasons, Raphinha could add valuable European experience ahead of Villa's foray into UEFA's elite club competition.

However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha has no plans to leave Barcelona this summer, denting Villa's chances of securing his signature.

The update claims that intermediaries approached Raphinha this week to discuss a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

However, the Brazil international rebuffed the interest, insisting that he is keen to remain with Barcelona for the 2024-25 season.

Barcelona's Raphinha and Ronald Araujo during the warm up before the match on September 23, 2023© Reuters

Why are Barcelona open to a sale?

Al-Hilal have already had a bid rejected for Raphinha, while he is believed to be a potential target for Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr.

The Catalan giants are believed to be open to selling the former Leeds United man if they receive a suitable proposal.

Raphinha's departure would free up space in the squad and improve Barcelona's financial situation, which would help the club in their efforts to sign RB Leipzig's Dani Olmo and Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.

However, Raphinha seems willing to stay and fight for his place in Hansi Flick's side, with the player under contract until the summer of 2027.

The attacker recently linked up with the Barcelona squad on the pre-season tour of the USA, and he could be involved in Saturday's friendly against El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the match on May 9, 2024
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona44001331012
2Real Madrid42207258
3Atletico MadridAtletico42206248
4Villarreal42209728
5GironaGirona42117437
6AlavesAlaves42115327
7Osasuna421157-27
8Celta Vigo420210916
9Leganes41213305
10Mallorca41212205
11Rayo Vallecano411245-14
12Athletic Bilbao411234-14
13Real Sociedad411234-14
14Espanyol411223-14
15Real ValladolidValladolid4112110-94
16Getafe30301103
17Real BetisBetis302113-22
18Las PalmasLas Palmas402247-32
19Sevilla402236-32
20Valencia401337-41


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