Xavi Hernandez Claims Personal Role in Signing Barcelona's Raphinha
Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has claimed he personally orchestrated the signing of winger Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer of 2022. Speaking to the media, the 46-year-old, who has been out of management for nearly a year, stated he had tracked the Brazilian international since his time playing in Portugal and was instrumental in bringing him to Camp Nou.
Xavi made the remarks in an interview cited by Spanish outlet MD, detailing his role in the transfer during his first transfer window as Barcelona head coach. That period saw the high-profile arrivals of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Andreas Christensen, with Raphinha joining for a reported fee in the region of €58 million. "I signed Raphinha," Xavi said. "I already wanted him when he was in Portugal."
The former midfielder also discussed his man-management of the player, acknowledging Raphinha's initial struggles to adapt. "I have given him a lot of confidence. If he didn’t perform, I had to take him off. I have a conversation with him because he was frustrated. I told him to be calm like he was five years old, and now he has exploded. He is a leader," Xavi explained. After a mixed first season, Raphinha has since become a key figure for Barcelona, contributing crucial goals and assists.
Xavi's comments come amid a series of recent media appearances where he has reflected on his tenure at the Catalan club. Last month, he revealed an unsuccessful attempt to re-sign Lionel Messi. In this latest interview, he also drew a direct comparison between another of his protégés, Lamine Yamal, and the Argentine legend. "Yamal can be compared to Messi. He’s a chosen one," Xavi stated, having handed the now-18-year-old his first-team debut.
The revelation underscores Xavi's influence in Barcelona's recent squad building, even as the club navigated severe financial constraints. His claim highlights the strategic push to secure Raphinha, who was also a target for other top Premier League clubs at the time. For Raphinha, Xavi's persistent faith appears to have been a defining factor in his eventual success at the club.
With his self-imposed sabbatical from coaching now concluded, Xavi's reflections may also serve as a reminder of his credentials to potential suitors. Several top European clubs are expected to have managerial vacancies this summer, and his detailed account of player development and recruitment could bolster his appeal. For Barcelona, the story reinforces the lasting impact of Xavi's brief but eventful reign, which laid the groundwork for the current squad's core.
