Days after reports appeared that Barcelona had turned down the chance to re-sign former midfielder Ilaix Moriba, it seems like the Barca have declined another opportunity to bring back another La Masia masterpiece to the club.
Certainly, El Nacional is detailing that Barca had been offered a chance to sign Rafinha Alcantara from PSG, but the club have dissociated themselves from a move for the Brazilian.
He came through the La Masia ranks, in company with his brother, Thiago Alcantara. The multiskilled midfielder made his first-team debut under Guardiola in 2011, at the age of 18.
Whilst Thiago moved on to Bayern Munich a couple of years later, Rafinha stayed put but could not set up a footrail in the first team at Camp Nou.
After spending time away on loan at Inter Milan and Celta Vigo, he moved on permanently from Camp Nou, signing for PSG in the summer of 2020.
Nevertheless, since uniting the French giants, he has been an outermost figure in the team, managing just 39 appearances in over a year at the club, with 7 assists to show for his efforts.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has favoured other options, who is now seeking an exit from PSG to bring back his career. As a result, Rafinha’s agent is offering his services to multiple clubs, with FC Barcelona also being provided with a chance to re-sign him.
However, manager Xavi is reckoned to have turned down the opportunity to sign Rafinha. He is of the belief that his midfield department is well-established at the moment and there is no need for another player.
Alternatively, it seems like the La Masia graduate could end up signing for Real Sociedad, Barca’s La Liga rivals. Imanol Alguacil’s side are looking at him as a backup for doyen star David Silva, who is nursing injury problems this season. So, while Rafinha may end up returning to La Liga in January, it will not be with his growing years club, FC Barcelona.
