Barcelona are already settled in the United States for their pre-season tour, which Raphinha joined directly after his Copa America appearance with the Brazilian national team. He was as determined to continue in the team as he has been on several occasions despite being one of the most marketable members of the squad.
Barcelona landed in Orlando (Florida) on Sunday to begin their traditional pre-season tour of the United States. Players such as Raphinha were on their way directly to North America, as he was away on Copa America duty with Brazil.
Hansi Flick’s side will take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium on Tuesday. On Saturday, it will be the turn of the pre-season ‘Clasico’ against Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Barcelona’s tour of the United States will end on 6 August at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore (Maryland) with a match against Milan. Raphinha’s future is expected to remain the same by then.
Upon his arrival at the airport, Spanish outlet ‘Sport’ spoke to him and captured statements that suggest he does not intend to change his destination this summer. “I’m looking forward to working with Flick,” said the Brazilian.
With president Joan Laporta leading the delegation, the club will be without Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, who are on holiday after winning the European Championship, the three Spaniards who are playing in the Olympic Games (Eric Garcia, Fermin Lopez and Pau Cubarsi) and the five injured players: Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi.