Flick Develops Special Plan for Raphinha

German coach Hans Flick has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026-2027 season, with the confirmation that Brazilian star Rafinha is close to returning to Barcelona training. He will be one of the key attacking reinforcements alongside the new signings, even though he is not a new player on the team’s roster.

Raphinha is set to join Barcelona's training camp in England on July 29, which will run until August 3. During this period, the team will play two friendly matches against Birmingham City on July 31 and Preston North End on August 3. The club does not rule out the possibility of the player joining the training sessions earlier before traveling with the team.

Raphinha had a three-week break after Brazil's exit from the 2026 World Cup, losing 2-1 to Norway on July 5. He used this time to fully recover from the muscle injury he suffered during the tournament, as well as to distance himself from the media pressures that accompanied his national team participation.

Recent reports have circulated regarding Al Hilal's interest in signing the player for €80 million. However, these rumors have not turned into an official offer, and the player has chosen to focus on regaining his physical fitness.

Raphinha entered the World Cup as one of Brazil's key weapons, but a hamstring injury during the group stage significantly impacted his participation. He returned to the squad for the match against Norway, though he did not start, marking an early exit from his World Cup adventure.

The player suffered from recurring muscle injuries throughout last season, most notably the injury he sustained with the Brazilian national team during the international break in March, which sidelined him from Barcelona for several weeks. This coincided with the team's exit from both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona is working on a special fitness program for Raphinha aimed at reducing the risk of muscle injuries and regaining the form he showcased in his first season under Hans Flick, when he delivered his best season in terms of goals and assists, and was among the contenders for the 2024-2025 Ballon d'Or.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta previously confirmed the club's intention to retain the player, emphasizing that the club has no plans to part ways with Raphinha during the current transfer window, given his significant importance in the team's project for the upcoming seasons.