After standing out in Barcelona’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, forward Raphinha returned to the spotlight in Catalonia. He was involved in two of the three goals in the 3-1 victory over Napoli.
However, Raphinha is not a guaranteed starter in Xavi Hernández’s team: he has been in the starting eleven in 17 out of the 27 matches played by Barcelona this season. Because of this, speculations about a departure are growing.
According to the Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona received an offer from a club in Saudi Arabia this week for Raphinha.
Saudi clubs had approached him in the last transfer window, but the Brazilian chose to stay at Barça.
READ MORE
++ Champions League quarter-finals draw: when it is, teams, possible matches
++ Real Madrid x Manchester City: remember Brazilians who scored goals in the match
++ PSG x Barcelona: recall Brazilians who scored goals in the history of the matchup
What should be Raphinha’s decision?
According to Sport, Raphinha is expected to choose to stay at Barcelona in the upcoming transfer window. He is under contract until June 30, 2027, and has been at the club since the 2022-23 season after impressing in the Premier League with Leeds United.
Can Raphinha change his mind?
The Spanish press also reports that Saudi Arabian teams are likely to make a higher offer to Raphinha compared to the one made in January, which was rejected by the player.
Among the clubs that may make an offer for Raphinha are the four supported by Saudi government investment: Al-Hilal (managed by Jorge Jesus and Neymar), Al-Nassr (home to Cristiano Ronaldo), Al-Ittihad (featuring Benzema), and Al-Ahli (with Roberto Firmino).
