Why Barcelona chose Raphinha over Antony this summer
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 13 Sept 2022 16:48 BST
- 3 min read
Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most important players so far this season, giving an early vindication to the decision to sign him over Antony this summer.
Raphinha has featured in all five of Barca’s La Liga games since signing this summer and a report from Spanish outlet Sport has detailed why Xavi and club executive Jordi Cruyff were so keen to sign the Brazilian.
The club had chosen the winger as far back as March and moved quickly to agree personal terms after comparing him with Antony, who was playing for Ajax at the time.
Cruyff and Xavi took an extensive analysis of the pair but believed Raphinha was more suited to Barca due to his mature play style and willingness to put his body on the line for the sake of the team.
Officials believed that Antony was more reliant on his one-on-one dribbling and individualistic attacking style, while Raphinha was keen on tracking back and helping his team as a unit instead of individually.
The move for Raphinha was also a lot more financially viable, with Barca paying Leeds €58 million, while Antony ended up signing for Manchester United for €100m.
The difference in the two fees for the players ended up allowing Barca to sign Robert Lewandowski for €45m, justifying the club’s decision further.
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Clash of the Brazilians
Both Raphinha and Antony are expected to be part of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup and the duo are likely to compete with one another for a place on the right-wing.
Both players have nine caps each for their country, although Raphinha’s three goals is one more than Antony’s, and the Barca winger is often preferred as a starter by manager Tite due to his work rate.
Xavi: Raphinha is a fantastic footballer#BayernBarça | @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/3kLWPb8wNQ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 12, 2022
With Barca unbeaten in 2nd place in La Liga, it is likely that Raphinha will continue to be preferred to Antony as the latter adjusts to the step up from Dutch to English football.
Antony netted on his Man Utd debut, having also scored once this season and grabbing two assists for Ajax prior to his move in August.
Raphinha, who rejected a more lucrative move to Chelsea in order to sign for Barca, has one goal and one assist for the Catalan side.
