Raphinha must be a big fan of a transfer window drama by now. For the second summer in a row, Barcelona have been linked with high-profile wingers, and once again, the spotlight is shining directly on his position on the left flank.
According to Sport, Barcelona have held talks with Nico Williams' representatives to explore a potential move, with the Spanish champions reportedly ready to meet his €62 million release clause. It’s a familiar storyline, standout displays at Euro 2024 initially highlighted the younger of the Bilbao brothers to the Catalan club, only for that chase to “disappoint” the Brazilian star after images of Barcelona shirts with “11 Williams” on the back surfaced online last year.
There’s bound to be double the disappointment for Raphinha this time around, as the rumour mill kicked into high gear even before Nico Williams stole the spotlight. Before that, it was Luis Díaz flirting with Barcelona in a way that would’ve had his current club raising eyebrows, and probably checking all the warning signs.
As alluded to, the potential move for Nico Williams undoubtedly raises questions about Raphinha’s future at FC Barcelona. The left-wing position, where Williams thrives, is the same one Raphinha has been forced to adapt to, despite being a natural right winger. That adjustment was already a compromise to accommodate the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal on the right.
Now, with Williams in the picture, Raphinha could find himself pushed down the pecking order, not because of poor performance, but due to circumstance and tactical preference.
That would be particularly harsh given the season he’s just had his best in a Barcelona shirt by some distance. Raphinha racked up an impressive 18 goals and 9 assists in La Liga, while also lighting up the Champions League with 13 goals and 9 assists. Those staggering numbers not only silenced early doubters but have even earned him whispers of Ballon d’Or consideration.
For a player who delivered so consistently, the idea of being sidelined due to squad reshuffling feels like an unfair twist in an otherwise standout campaign. The Brazilian will not want to be a back-up player or warming the bench where he requires consistency at its best.
It is reported that Raphinha has already held conversations with new manager Hansi Flick, who has assured the Brazilian of regular playing time, this time in a more central role, one he’s familiar with from his performances for the national team. Operating behind Robert Lewandowski and flanked by Spain’s two most exciting wingers, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, Raphinha could become the creative heartbeat of a truly fearsome front line. On their day, few defences in La Liga would relish the task of stopping such a dynamic and unpredictable trio.
This tactical reshuffle is likely to impact others in the squad. Dani Olmo may struggle to cement a place in the starting XI, particularly if Pedri drops deeper alongside Frenkie de Jong to balance the midfield. Gavi and Ferran Toress will have to settle for the majority of roles from the bench.
Should Raphinha’s central experiment not pan out, rotation across the front three could see him filling in for either Williams or Yamal, with Flick reportedly eager to keep the former Leeds United star involved regularly. For now, it seems Raphinha's place in the team remains secure, at least in Flick’s vision of the new Barça.
No matter what unfolds, fans will be hoping to see Raphinha continue his journey with the club he clearly cherishes, regardless of the position he plays. Whether cutting in from the right, drifting centrally, or adapting to new tactical demands, his passion, work rate, and quality remain valuable assets for Barcelona’s future.