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| Rafinha Alcantara of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Reims at Parc des Princes on May 16, 2021 in Paris, France. |
Days after reports emerged that Barcelona had turned down the chance to re-sign former midfielder Ilaix Moriba, it seems like the Catalans have rejected another opportunity to bring back another La Masia product to the club.
Indeed, El Nacional is reporting that Barca had been offered a chance to sign Rafinha Alcantara from Paris Saint-Germain, but the club have distanced themselves from a move for the Brazilian.
The 28-year-old came through the La Masia ranks, alongside his brother, Thiago Alcantara. The versatile midfielder made his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola in 2011, at the age of 18.
While Thiago moved on to Bayern Munich a couple of years later, Rafinha stayed put but could not establish a foothold in the first team at Camp Nou. After spending time away on loan at Inter Milan (Jan-Jun 2018) and Celta Vigo (2013/14 and 2019/20), the Brazilian moved on permanently from Camp Nou, signing for PSG in the summer of 2020.
However, since joining the French giants, he has been a peripheral figure in the team, managing just 39 appearances in over a year at the club, with seven assists to show for his efforts.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has preferred other options over the two-time capped Brazilian international, who is now seeking an exit from Parc des Princes to revive his career. As a result, Rafinha’s agent is offering his services to multiple clubs, with Barcelona also being provided with an opportunity to re-sign him.
However, manager Xavi Hernandez is believed to have turned down the opportunity to sign Rafinha. The 41-year-old is of the belief that his midfield department is well-stocked at the moment and there is no need for another player.
Instead, it seems like the La Masia graduate could end up signing for Barca’s La Liga rivals, Real Sociedad. Imanol Alguacil’s side are looking at him as a backup for veteran 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 boyhood club, Barcelona.
