Barcelona summer signing admits ‘it’s been difficult’

Cameron Smith

• 8 Nov 2022 14:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona's big-money summer signing Raphinha has admitted that his start to life at Camp Nou has been tricky.

The Brazilian arrived in Catalunya from Leeds United for a fee of €65 million but hasn't yet hit the heights many expected of him.

The 25-year-old has been benched for the Blaugrana's past four league games, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres preferred by head coach Xavi.

READ: Raphinha has left Barcelona 'baffled' by poor form

His first and only goal for the club came back in September, and after an encouraging pre-season, Raphinha has fallen out of favour with both Xavi and the Barcelona fans. Furthermore, he's admitted that he's struggled to adjust to life in Spain after leaving Elland Road.

What has Raphinha said?

The Brazilian told Cadena SER: "For me, on an individual level, it’s been difficult: I’m a striker and I like to score. I’ve scored one official goal all season and that hurts a bit.

"I’m adapting, my colleagues are helping me. I’m working to make this adaptation as fast as possible."

READ: One goal and assist in 14 games - Raphinha a €60m FLOP

Although he's endured a slow start to life at Barcelona on a personal level, Raphinha still believes the club have every chance of success this season, despite dropping out the Champions League in the group stages for a second consecutive campaign.

"There are changes from years ago to here; it’s normal. The teams have to make changes, but I see that at Barça the way of playing is maintained," he said.

"Barça is going to win titles this year. We enter all competitions to win. All the ones we compete in, we are fighting for the title."

Raphinha has been selected in Brazil's World Cup squad despite a tough spell at Barcelona and will be looking to regain his form at the tournament.