BARCELONA will consider selling Raphinha if his form does not improve before the end of the season, according to reports.
The 26-year-old joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in the summer in a deal worth a huge £55million.
But he has failed to hit the ground running in Spain, managing just two goals and four assists in 18 appearances.
He then went to the World Cup with Brazil and did not register any goal contributions in five matches as Tite’s men were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia.
According to Sport, it is now imperative he turns his form around at the Nou Camp before the summer.
If he does not, it is believed Barcelona will assess his situation at the end of the campaign.
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Manager Xavi and the rest of his backroom stuff are thought to be getting “impatient” with the South American as they “expect much more from him”.
Ousmane Dembele has made the right flank position his own ahead of Raphinha.
And there is a danger Ansu Fati could also leapfrog the ex-Leeds playmaker if his performances do not improve.
Raphinha snubbed Arsenal and Chelsea in order to secure his “dream” move to Barcelona.
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Speaking after putting pen to paper, he said: “All my idols played and made history here so it’s a huge honour and I can’t thank Barca enough for giving me the chance to wear this jersey.
“I hope I can achieve half of what my idols accomplished here.
“It’s a dream come true for me and my family. I’m going to do my best to help this club win (trophies).”
Barcelona will resume LaLiga action in a local derby at home to Espanyol on December 31.
They currently sit two points above Real Madrid at the top of the table having won all six of their league games before the World Cup break.
But they exited the Champions League in the group stage for the second season running after picking up just seven points from six matches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
