As Barcelona edge closer to completing the signing of Nico Williams, questions are naturally swirling around the future of Raphinha. But Hansi Flick has stepped forward to put those doubts to bed—firmly, directly, and without room for misinterpretation.
According to respected journalist Gerard Romero of Jijantes, the new Barcelona manager has already spoken to Deco, Bojan and the club’s top brass. His message is sharp and unmistakable: “Raphinha is not to be touched.”
For weeks, speculation had gathered pace. With Nico Williams reportedly set to arrive on a six-year deal, fans and media alike began to wonder whether the Brazilian winger, who has faced a mixed spell at the club since his arrival from Leeds United, might be sacrificed—sold or benched to accommodate the exciting new Spanish international. The rumour mill spun quickly, hinting at Premier League interest, potential swap deals, and uncomfortable positional battles.
But Flick, calm and assertive in his early days at the helm, has crushed those rumours with his stance. He has made it abundantly clear that Raphinha remains a key component of his vision for the club.
Last season, Raphinha featured heavily on the left wing, but a deeper look into the data painted a different picture. On the pitch, his average positioning was far more central and advanced than his starting role would suggest. He drifted in frequently, linking play in the pockets, operating almost as a shadow striker behind Robert Lewandowski. It was a tactical evolution, one that highlighted his creativity, work rate and final-third intelligence. That flexibility now appears to be his strength, not a liability.
Flick sees it too. The German tactician, known for maximising attacking talent in multi-layered systems, is not concerned about overlapping roles. If Nico Williams does arrive—as expected—Flick will find a way to make the pieces fit. And Raphinha’s place is assured. The manager is ready to adjust the XI, reshuffle positions and recalibrate dynamics to accommodate both players without sacrificing either.
It’s an early but important declaration of faith. In a squad where pressure and expectation are heavy, players need to know where they stand. Flick has not waited to let his intentions simmer. He’s made them public, visible, and loud enough for everyone at the club to hear.
That vote of confidence may prove crucial. Raphinha is not just a winger—he’s a creator, a tireless presser, and one of the few players in the squad who blends flair with bite. He has a different edge to his game, and Flick knows it.
The arrival of Nico will bring pace and width, especially down the left. It will open new lanes and unlock new combinations. But it will not come at Raphinha’s expense. Flick has drawn his tactical boundaries early. This is not a battle for survival—it is a move toward balance and flexibility, driven by one man’s clear footballing philosophy.
As the new season edges closer, the headlines may focus on arrivals. But in Barcelona, one departure is not happening. Raphinha is staying—and Hansi Flick has made that known without blinking.