Barcelona captain set to join pre-season camp in England – Report | OneFootball

Raphinha is expected to join FC Barcelona’s pre-season camp at St. George’s Park on Wednesday as Hansi Flick continues preparing his squad for the new campaign.

According to MARCA, the Brazilian will begin his fifth season at the club facing greater competition than ever, particularly after the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

Barcelona paid €70 million plus a possible €10 million in variables to sign Gordon from Newcastle United, underlining how important the England international is expected to become in Flick’s plans.

Adeyemi can also operate from the left, while Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres provide further alternatives in that area. Raphinha therefore returns knowing that his place in the starting lineup is no longer guaranteed.

The 29-year-old remains determined to continue at Barca and has ignored lucrative approaches from Saudi Arabia. He is under contract until June 2028 and wants to fulfil that agreement.

However, some figures within Barcelona would consider a major sale. Raphinha is valued at around €70 million, and those open to his departure believe the squad now has enough depth to replace him. His 17 missed matches through injury last season have also created some concern.

Competition should strengthen Barca, not force a sale

Raphinha has faced doubts throughout his Barcelona career and has repeatedly responded with effort, goals and leadership. His mentality should not be underestimated simply because the club have invested heavily in new wingers.

Gordon’s arrival creates genuine competition, but that does not automatically make Raphinha expendable. Flick needs different profiles across a long season, and the Brazilian offers pressing, movement and defensive commitment that are not always reflected in basic attacking statistics.

As captain, he also carries responsibility beyond his position. Selling him would only make sense if Barcelona received an exceptional offer and had complete confidence that the squad would not lose balance or experience.

For now, the most productive outcome is clear: Raphinha joins the camp, competes for his place and forces Flick to make difficult decisions. Barcelona should welcome that challenge. A stronger squad is built by raising standards, not by immediately removing the player who suddenly has competition.