​Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reiterated that Raphinha will remain at the club this summer, dismissing ongoing rumors about his departure despite persistent speculation. Reports have circulated that Barcelona could be selling Raphinha as they pursue new attacking options, including Karim Adeyemi. Laporta, however, made it clear that no such move is planned and that Raphinha remains a crucial part of the squad.
“Raphinha will stay. We have no interest in him leaving Barça. He’s a key player. With Gordon and Adeyemi, I see that we’re strengthening the attack, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to let Raphinha go, as he’s crucial for us,” Laporta told reporters after arriving in the United States for the World Cup semi-finals, emphasizing the club’s long-term plans for the winger.
Laporta reflected on last season, noting that Raphinha was unable to perform at his peak during the final stretch of La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. He suggested that the results could have been different had Raphinha found his best form, underscoring the value the club places on his contribution going forward.
In addition to reaffirming Raphinha’s status, Laporta acknowledged Barcelona’s interest in Adeyemi, a player the club has admired for some time. He described Adeyemi as dangerous and fast, highlighting the signing as a strategic addition to enhance the team’s attacking options. Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, was praised for handling the signing process well, and Laporta hinted that Adeyemi’s arrival was always anticipated to be timely and well-coordinated.
“We are very excited about Adeyemi. We’ve liked him for a while. He’s dangerous and fast, and Deco handled the signing very well. The news came out when it was meant to,” Laporta stated, reinforcing the club’s confidence in Adeyemi’s ability to make a meaningful impact.
Barcelona appear poised to complete a deal for Adeyemi in the coming days, with reports suggesting the transfer could be finalized within the week. Raphinha, meanwhile, is currently on a break following the World Cup and is set to return to the club for pre-season duties as the team prepares for the new campaign.
The club’s latest statements aim to reassure supporters that the squad will retain its key pieces while continuing to pursue strategic reinforcements. As Barcelona moves closer to formalizing Adeyemi’s arrival, the focus remains on building a potent attack capable of competing at the highest levels in domestic and European competitions. Raphinha’s ongoing status as a Barça player is presented as a core part of the plan, with his role expected to be integral as the team works to translate potential into tangible success next season.