‘Would have to work’: Raphinha warns Barca’s top summer target, Luis Díaz, Rashford

Barcelona forward Raphinha has said Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford will have to work even harder than him to win a place in the side if either of them join the club this summer.

Following their impressive 2024/25 season, Barcelona are looking at strengthening their squad with Liverpool’s Díaz and Manchester United’s Rashford both on the Catalonia giant’s transfer shortlist.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has also confirmed an interest in both players, a move that means Raphinha will have a stiff competition next season.

Raphinha, who has penned a new deal at the club until 2028, has now insisted that any player joining the club will have to work hard to displace him.

Luis Diaz won the Premier League trophy with Liverpool this season but has been linked with a move to Barca. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“I don’t mind,” the Brazil international told Mundo Deportivo when asked about the possibility of Díaz or Rashford providing more competition for places at Barça.

“After this season, I won’t say I am a guaranteed starter or will never miss a game, but whoever comes in will have to work harder than me.

“For me, the important thing is that whoever is here or signs, works hard and helps the team. It’s important to have a lot of top, committed players.”

Raphinha has confirmed that he was thinking about leaving the club this time last year before an intervention from Flick convinced him to stay.

He went on to score 34 goals and register 25 assists in all competitions, helping Barça win LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa, and is now considered a possible Ballon d’Or winner.

“A lot of people wanted me gone,” he said in an interview with Diario Sport. “Many fans, maybe even the board weren’t happy with what I was doing.

“So it is already a victory just to be fighting for the Ballon d’Or and to be among the 10 favourites. It has never been an objective for me.”