Why Rafinha would be a valuable addition for the Wolves squad
According to Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Wolves have enquired about the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Rafinha.
The 27-year-old spent last season on loan with La Liga side Celta Vigo, scoring four goals and assisting once from 29 league appearances. The report also suggests that Rafinha was supposed to join Celta Vigo permanently at the end of the season. However, the deal fell through as they failed to match Barcelona’s £14.5million asking price for the Brazilian.
Meanwhile, Rafinha, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, never really managed to establish himself at the Camp Nou. With the side already filled with an abundance of talent in the middle, Rafinha was often seen warming the benches than spending time on the pitch.
He was also shipped out on loan thrice, suggesting he was clearly not one of the favourites in the Catalan side. Despite all that, Rafinha has featured 90 times for the La Liga giants across all competitions. He has 12 goals and 8 assists to his name, giving a clear idea of his talent.
With Celta Vigo now out of contention to sign him, Premier League side Wolves consider him as a suitable candidate to join their ranks ahead of next season.
Rafinha can offer Wolves creativity in the midfield
Wolves, on the other hand, have had a successful campaign this season following their seventh-place finish in the league rankings. Having managed to end the season in the top-ten, Wolves will now be keen to bolster their squad in order to better their displays next season.
Much of Wolves’ creativity in midfield this season has come from the boots of their midfielder Jaoa Moutinho. He is his side’s joint second-highest assist provider alongside teammate Raul Jimenez, with six to his credit. However, he will turn 34 this September and is clearly nearing the end of his career. This justifies Wolves’ interest in Rafinha.
Also, Moutinho plays in a more central role, which disallows him to play more freely in the attack. That said, Wolves will immensely benefit by roping in an attacking midfielder such as Rafinha, who plays as an attacking midfielder. To add to it, Rafinha is also capable of playing in a deeper role, as he has done so with Celta Vigo and Barcelona in the past.
Thus, Wolves should up their interest in the out-of-favour Barcelona man as he could offer them the creativity and versatility they need in the midfield in the upcoming seasons.
Read more
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Verdict
It is evident that Wolves lack an attacking midfielder in their ranks and Rafinha’s arrival will only make them stronger next season. Moreover, he is an experienced customer, having played for a top club like Barcelona and will not take much time to adjust to the new surroundings at the Molineux.
