Raphinha commits to Barcelona for the long haul, sets sights on Champions League glory

Brazilian winger Raphinha has put an end to speculation surrounding his future by pledging his allegiance to Barcelona, ensuring he will remain at the club beyond this summer.

The 26-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United for £50 million last year, made a significant impact in his debut season, featuring in 50 matches for the Catalan giants.

Earlier reports indicated that Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel expressed a strong interest in acquiring Raphinha, describing him as a 'dream player'. The potential transfer could have also provided financial relief for the La Liga champions, who are keen to restore their financial stability.

However, in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha clarified his intentions to stay at Barcelona not only for the upcoming season but also for the foreseeable future. He stated, "I will continue at Barca next season and beyond. I have several years left on my contract, and I aim to fulfil those years and many more."

Having completed the first year of his five-year deal, Raphinha remains contracted to Barcelona until 2027, earning an annual salary of approximately £10.7 million. If the club were to part ways with him, these funds could be allocated elsewhere.

Reflecting on his transition from Yorkshire to Barcelona, the winger acknowledged the initial challenges he faced. "Barcelona is a city that I love; Brazilians are very content here," he said. "My first six months were difficult. I had a slow start to the season, scoring few goals, providing few assists, and struggling to find my place in the team. But I gradually adapted, thanks to the immense support of my teammates."

Raphinha also expressed admiration for Xavi Hernandez, who guided the team to the league title as their coach. "We have a manager who possesses an in-depth understanding of Barcelona's style of play, someone who knows the club inside out. Xavi knew how to maximize our potential as a group," he added.

Looking ahead, Raphinha disclosed that the primary objective for the upcoming season is to make a profound impact in the Champions League, following their early exit from the group stage last November.