Barcelona could reportedly sell Brazilian attacker Raphinha for €100m (£85.2m) during this summer's transfer window, with a powerful Saudi Pro League outfit said to be determined to sign him.
The 27-year-old scored 10 goals and registered 13 assists in 37 appearances for Barcelona during the 2023-24 campaign, including six goals and nine assists in 28 La Liga matches.
Raphinha has another three years left to run on his deal at Camp Nou, having penned a five-year contract upon his arrival from Leeds United during the summer of 2022.
However, there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent months, with a number of clubs from Saudi Arabia said to be keen on his signature.
Barcelona have thus far resisted an exit, but the club's ongoing financial problems could lead to them allowing the Brazil international to depart during the summer transfer window.
© Reuters
Raphinha 'could leave Barcelona in an £85.2m deal'
According to Mundo Deportivo, one of the biggest clubs in Saudi Arabia are determined to sign Raphinha in the upcoming market and would be willing to pay a huge price.
The report claims that Barcelona could receive a proposal of around €100m (£85.2m), which would represent a significant profit on their outlay for the forward from Leeds in 2022.
Raphinha is thought to be reluctant to play in Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career, but he will be offered the chance to double his salary by making the move to the country's top division.
The forward is believed to be settled in Spain with his family, but the chance to become one of the best-paid players in world football could see him decide to leave European football.
© Reuters
Should Barcelona sell Raphinha?
In an ideal world, Barcelona would like to keep hold of Raphinha considering that he is one of their most productive players in the final third of the field.
However, the reality of the situation is that the club will have to make some tough decisions this summer due to their off-the-field issues, and a big-money sale of Raphinha would seriously help them.
Convincing the player to depart will seemingly be their biggest challenge, but if Raphinha agrees to a move, and a club are willing to pay the price mentioned, the Catalan side have to move him on.
The South American's time at Barcelona has been a success, contributing 20 goals and 25 assists in 87 appearances in all competitions.
However, the club are unlikely to be in a position to sell him for anywhere near €100m (£85.2m) next summer considering that he will then only have two years left on his deal.
Matt Law
