Barcelona head into Sunday's crucial La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid with Raphinha thriving as their new centre-forward, raising questions over whether the Spanish champions needed Julian Alvarez after all.
La Liga leaders Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid on Sunday with Brazilian forward Raphinha enjoying outstanding form in his new attacking role under Hansi Flick.
The 29-year-old has scored an impressive 19 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions this season, establishing himself as Barcelona's main attacking threat following their unsuccessful pursuit of Atletico striker Julian Alvarez.
With Raphinha firing and recently committing his future to the club until 2030, Barcelona appear increasingly unlikely to renew their interest in the Argentine forward next summer.
Barcelona pursued Alvarez during the summer transfer window, with the Argentina international reportedly attempting to secure a move away from Atletico Madrid.
However, Barcelona's approach angered Atletico officials, and the Catalan club were fined approximately €600 ($675) by the Spanish football federation in October over their pursuit of the striker.
Alvarez ultimately remained in Madrid and later apologised to Atletico supporters in an effort to repair his relationship with the club's fanbase.
Barcelona, meanwhile, turned their attention to an internal solution, with Flick moving Raphinha into an unfamiliar central attacking position.
The decision has proved highly effective, transforming the Brazilian winger into one of Europe's most productive forwards.
Barcelona began the season in exceptional fashion, winning 11 consecutive matches across all competitions with Raphinha leading their attack.
However, their momentum was interrupted by successive defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Raphinha had suffered a thigh injury while representing Brazil at the end of September and struggled to reproduce his usual intensity during those matches.
He delivered a subdued performance in Barcelona's 4-2 Champions League defeat against PSG before scoring in a 2-1 home loss to Real Madrid without reaching his usual standards.
The Brazilian responded emphatically, scoring four goals across Barcelona's following two matches against Alaves and Aston Villa.
His return to form was followed by a new contract signed on Thursday, extending his stay at Barcelona until 2030.
Raphinha's remarkable development has been closely linked to Flick's arrival at Barcelona in 2024.
After joining the Catalan giants from Leeds United in 2022, the Brazilian endured periods of frustration under former manager Xavi Hernandez, who appeared reluctant to give him a consistently prominent role.
Flick's appointment changed his fortunes.
The German coach's high-intensity pressing system suited Raphinha's work rate, movement and attacking instincts, allowing him to become one of Barcelona's most influential players.
His performances have also earned him a place among the club's captains, reflecting his growing importance both on and off the pitch.
Raphinha missed Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final elimination against Atletico Madrid last season through injury, but he will now be central to their hopes of avoiding another setback against Diego Simeone's side.
Despite his success, Raphinha admitted he initially had reservations when Flick asked him to operate as Barcelona's centre-forward.
The Brazilian was concerned about the expectations attached to playing in a position traditionally occupied by Robert Lewandowski.
"You're in the spot where before there was only (Robert) Lewandowski," Raphinha explained.
"If you don't score goals, people judge you for that.
"I had a few doubts because of that and also about playing with my back to goal, but in the end, I think I've done well and I've liked it."
Those concerns have quickly disappeared as Raphinha has developed into a prolific goalscorer.
His impressive finishing has also earned praise from his teammates.
"We give him the balls and he puts them in the net," Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez said in September.
While Raphinha has flourished at Barcelona, Alvarez has experienced a more difficult start to the campaign with Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine forward initially faced criticism from sections of the club's supporters following his unsuccessful attempt to leave during the summer.
Although his performances have improved in recent weeks, Alvarez has managed just two goals in 11 appearances this season.
Atletico remain firmly in the La Liga title race despite his struggles.
Simeone's side sit second in the standings, just two points behind Barcelona, and could move above the defending champions with victory at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
The encounter therefore represents a significant opportunity for both clubs to strengthen their title ambitions.
Barcelona's recent defeats against PSG and Real Madrid have raised questions about their ability to deliver against elite opposition.
For Raphinha, Sunday's clash offers an opportunity to silence those doubts and demonstrate that Barcelona can compete with their strongest rivals.
As one of the team's leaders, the Brazilian has taken criticism of recent performances seriously and will be determined to inspire a response against Atletico.
With 19 goals already this season, a new long-term contract and growing confidence in his central attacking role, Raphinha has become indispensable to Flick's plans.
A decisive performance against Atletico Madrid would further strengthen Barcelona's title credentials while reinforcing the belief that their solution to missing out on Julian Alvarez was already within their squad.
