Rafinha is quickly losing patience with Valencia as his transfer stalls
Valencia have agreed terms with the player but refuse to match Barça's asking price
There's a lot of interest in Rafinha and rightly so. The midfielder has impressed under many top-flight managers and his quality cannot be questioned. He's excelled at Celta Vigo, led the midfield whilst at Inter Milan and now Valencia want him as they face another season of balancing LaLiga and the Champions League.
Yet, despite a host of sides keen on landing the midfielder, no one wants to pay for Barça are asking for. People often forget that Rafinha is still only 26 and has the quality to succeed at the highest level but, as seems to be the case this year, most teams would prefer a loan rather than a permanent transfer.
VALENCIA WON'T ADVANCE THE TRANSFER
Marcelino wants Rafinha and the player himself has agreed personal terms. Barça haven't closed any door and would be willing to let him join a division rival but only on the condition they receive a fee for his services. This is why they've ruled out another loan deal with Rafinha only having 12 months to run on his existing deal. The only way Barça would agree to this is if the player signed a new deal first, ensuring they get something for the La Masia graduate. Valencia won't pay a transfer fee for a player they consider injury-prone this summer.
BETIS DID THE SAME LAST SUMMER
This situation isn't new for Rafinha either. Last summer he was largely expected to join Real Betis following various meetings between the two clubs. Barça asked for €30m but Betis were only interested in a loan. He opted to stay at the Camp Nou but suffered a serious injury in November.
INTER TRIED TO GET RAFINHA ON THE CHEAP
Rafinha joined Inter Milan in January 2018 on a six-month loan which included an agreement where they could sign him on a permanent basis for €35m. The midfielder played a key role at Inter but the club decided against taking up the option agreed and instead wanted to re-negotiate the fee. Rafinha felt used.
SUNDAY IS ALL THAT MATTERS
All those previous episodes have seen Rafinha lose his patience with the current situation he finds himself in. He doesn't want to sign a new deal only to be loaned out again. He wants someone to follow through with their interest and negotiate with Barça. All that matters right now is the match against Betis.
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