Three clubs from the Saudi Pro League are preparing to make a summer move for Barcelona forward Raphinha, according to reports in Spain. The Catalan club is aware of significant interest from the Middle East in the Brazilian international, who is understood to have a long-standing verbal agreement that would allow him to depart for Saudi Arabia when he chooses. Mundo Deportivo reports that while no formal talks have been held with the player's representatives, approaches are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The 29-year-old winger has been a key figure for Barcelona when fit during the 2025-26 campaign, though his season has been disrupted by several injuries. His importance to the side has been underlined by the team's struggles during his absences, making him a talismanic figure for head coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona's sporting department is reportedly committed to retaining Raphinha, viewing him as one of the squad's most influential players, and his departure this summer would be considered a significant blow to their sporting project.
The interest from Saudi Arabia aligns with a planned squad refresh in the Pro League, where several high-profile players are set to depart upon the expiry of their contracts this summer. Saudi clubs are targeting replacements of similar stature, and Raphinha, a Brazil international with extensive experience in La Liga and the Premier League, fits their profile. Sources indicate that interest in the player from the Gulf region has been persistent for a number of years, predating his 2022 move to Barcelona from Leeds United.
For Barcelona, the potential sale represents a complex financial and sporting dilemma. The club remains under significant pressure to balance its books and generate transfer revenue, a reality that has forced the sale of several assets in recent years. However, sporting director Deco and coach Flick are believed to be aligned in their desire to build the team around core players like Raphinha. The club's concurrent pursuit of a new left winger this summer is reportedly unrelated to Raphinha's situation and is instead focused on adding competition on the opposite flank.
Raphinha's own affinity for Barcelona, frequently expressed in public comments, adds another layer to the speculation. It is considered unlikely that he would actively seek an exit after four seasons, making any transfer largely dependent on the scale of the Saudi offer and the club's own financial imperatives. The coming weeks are expected to provide clarity as the Saudi clubs formalize their interest and Barcelona's hierarchy evaluates its position ahead of a crucial transfer window.
