Saudi Arabia is getting ready to make yet another gigantic move in the transfer market, this time looking to poach one of the most important players of Barcelona.
Reports have suggested that a Saudi Pro League team has thrown down an astonishing four-year, 200 million contract worth 50 million per season—to tempt the Blaugrana star to the Middle East, according to Diario Sport.
The club has even made an earlier bite at the cherry with a €100 million bid to Barcelona, to test their resolve to keep their star man.
However, several Premier League clubs are also keeping an eye on him.
The winger has made himself a key part of the culture at Camp Nou and has contributed to Barcelona’s historic successes in recent times.
After previous interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, he made it clear he wanted to stay following a discussion with the coaching staff.
In light of him being at the peak of his powers, Saudi officials have come back to him with an even better offer than previously.
Barcelona’s sporting directors are aware of the approach, but are adamant they want to keep him in Spain, but ultimately the final decision will be his.
The man in question is Barcelona captain Raphinha, who is attracting serious interest from Al Hilal.
Seeking to secure this summer’s Pro League title and rebuild their team, Al Hilal sees Raphinha as a potential marquee signing.
However, Raphinha is currently seeking to make a name for himself at Barcelona, having already developed into a Ballon d’Or candidate.
The ability to win European titles is likely more appealing to the Brazilian than pure financial gain from a move to Saudi Arabia.
For Barcelona, it’s a straightforward decision.
They see Raphinha as essentially untouchable, but €100 million would help ease their financial woes. Ultimately, the club has to balance sporting ambitions vs economic realities, and they would still prefer to keep him and build a team around his attributes.
As the player currently appears unwilling to leave, this may end up blowing over quickly, unless Saudi Arabia comes back with an even more “affordable” price.
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