Overview
- Raphinha, who scored Barcelona’s first Champions League goal on Tuesday, has eight goals in five starts this season after Hansi Flick moved him from the wing into a central striker role.
- Sporting director Deco told RAC1 the club will open contract talks to keep Raphinha and said the captaincy is a well‑deserved honor.
- Barcelona have started the campaign with exceptional form, scoring 17 and conceding two in their first four La Liga games, with Raphinha contributing six league goals to that tally.
- The club’s failed summer pursuit of Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid is being reassessed because of Raphinha’s form, although Deco said Barcelona handled the Álvarez approach respectfully.
- Analysts caution the scoring surge is based on a small sample and outlets report slightly different career totals for Raphinha, so questions about sustainability and exact statistics will influence future transfer and contract choices.