Raphinha to Saudi rumors return as Barcelona fans told to expect ‘painful sale’

Saudi Arabia interest in Barcelona star Raphinha is nothing new but is making headlines in Spain again as we head towards the summer transfer window.

According to Mundo Deportivo, “several clubs” are keeping tabs on the Brazilian and are ”prepared to present him with a significant offer” to move to the Middle East after the World Cup.

Raphinha has already revealed he considered leaving Barca for Saudi Arabia before Hansi Flick took over before deciding to stay on after a chat with the German coach.

“I’ve been playing football since I was 15, I’ve been through good times and bad times everywhere, so there came a point when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family,” he told ESPN.

“The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son… a lot of people.”

There’s no suggestion at this point that Raphinha wants to leave, or that Barca will consider offers for the forward, but the report has emerged amid speculation the club may have to consider a ‘painful sale’ this summer.

Report Luis Carrasco has this week told Gerard Romero’s Jijantes: “This summer we’re going to cry a lot, a departure to be able to achieve our objectives.”

Barcelona are hoping to strengthen the squad this summer but are yet to return to the 1:1 rule, and there’s already been speculation “significant sales” will be needed if they are to spend big.