One of the players at FC Barcelona that have a strong demand in the market despite average performances last season is Raphinha. The Brazilian player is currently training at Ciutat Esportiva, but his future at the club remains far from certain.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the latest side to show an interest in the Brazilian winger is the Saudi side Al-Hilal, while other Saudi clubs are also not entirely ruled out as a possible destination for the winger this summer.
Al-Hilal were aiming to land Lionel Messi this summer and were one of the competitors of FC Barcelona in the race for the Argentine’s signature. However, both these sides missed out on the World Cup winner, who ultimately opted for the MLS club Inter Miami.
Now, the Saudi club has set its sight on Raphinha. This interest comes in the context of massive investment in Saudi football, which aims to bring the top footballing talents to the Middle Eastern country and establish a league which can compete with top European leagues.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo have already gone to Saudi Arabia, but now the Saudi clubs are targeting young players and thus will offer Raphinha a multi-million contract to play in the Saudi league.
The operation for Raphinha has not formally been initiated yet. Still, no one rules out the possibility of such a move, neither the player nor the involved clubs. Raphinha has mentioned multiple times that he wants to remain at Barcelona for the coming seasons, but a good offer can take him to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Barcelona still have around €40 million to amortize since they spent €55 million as a fixed fee last year to sign the Brazilian from Leeds United. They will consider an offer only if it is convincing enough financially. And as the club or the player are yet to receive a formal offer, the chances of such a move remain uncertain for now.
