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Barcelona striker Raphinha made it clear that any potential new arrivals will have to reconcile his determination and effort if they want to secure a place on the Hansi Flick side.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Brazilian star addressed Barcelona’s reported interest in Liverpool Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, saying he was open to the challenge.
“I don’t mind,” Raphinha said. “After this season, I will not say that my starter is guaranteed, but whoever enters will have to work more than I do.”
His relaxed attitude indicates a change in the last year, when he responded angrily to the club’s ties with Nico Williams athletic club.
The Brazilian striker has since extended his contract to Barcelona until 2028 and deserved his decision to remain with the arrival of coach Hansi Flick.
Raphinha enjoyed the spectacular season 2024-25, scoring 34 goals and securing 25 assists in all competitions.
Raphinha puts any summer signatures in Barcelona for a notification that hard work will not be negotiating 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/lzcz3uueurw
– ESPN FC (@espnfc) May 30, 2025
His efforts were helped by Barca to provide a domestic tonnx – Laligu, Copa del Rey and Spain Supercopa – and he is now considering the best candidates for the Ballon D’Or.
“Many people wanted me to leave,” he added. “It’s already a victory just fighting for Ballon d’Or and being among 10 favorites.”
The Brazilian also quickly praised the teammate Lamina Yamal, who signed a new contract with the club this week.
Yamal, still only 17 years old, has been one of the discoveries in the last few seasons.
“I’ve never seen anything like Lamina, not from a 17-year-old or even a 20-year-old,” Raphinh said. “No ceiling. It can go as much as he wants. It all depends on him.”
He added that Yamala saw as a younger brother, offering guidelines from the field, but leaving him to do his magic on it.
He said, “If he wants to achieve the highest point of the game, he will do so easy. He has everything to be one of the best in football history.”
