Rafinha, like his brother Thiago Alcantara, came through the youth system at Barca and was highly rated as a youngster, catching the eye while on loan at Celta Vigo in 2013-14.
He became a squad player in Barca’s first-team on the back of that campaign, but injuries disrupted his progress and he was allowed to join Inter on loan for the second half of the 2017-18 season – the Serie A club securing a purchase option as part of the deal.
While Rafinha went on to feature 17 times in the league for Inter, they did not trigger the purchase clause set at €35million, plus €3m in variables, and now Braida – who is head of Barca’s international scouting – understands the midfielder will stay at Camp Nou.
“Rafinha, very likely, will stay at Barca,” the Italian told Radio Sportiva.
“He is a boy of great footballing ability and is a player who can decide games because of his handling of the ball. He has the conditions to go far, if he wants to.
“Last year he came from a serious injury, but when he recovered he did great things at Inter.
“He is a player who has impressive technical abilities. He’s a very interesting player who is very good at Barca.”
Rafinha started for Barca in Sunday’s 2-1 Supercopa de Espana win over Sevilla before being replaced at half-time by Ivan Rakitic.
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