Barcelona star Raphinha has reportedly drawn interest from the Saudi Pro League ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Raphinha, who will turn 30 this December, has emerged as one of the top wingers in the world since head coach Hansi Flick’s arrival at the Catalans. He registered a whopping 60 goal involvements in 57 total outings for his club last season, winning a domestic treble in the process.
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The former Sporting CP and Stade Rennais attacker has impressed this season as well, starting 26 of his 31 appearances in all competitions for his side this term. He netted 19 goals and contributed eight assists for the Blaugrana before sustaining a hamstring injury back in March.
Now, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, three Saudi Pro League teams are willing to engage in a race for the 37-cap Brazil international this summer. But, Barcelona have no intention of selling their winger, while the player is thought to be fully committed to Flick’s project.
Raphinha, who was reportedly linked with a €90 million move to Al-Nassr last year, has a contract until June 2028 at Barcelona. He joined his team from Leeds United in a potential €67 million deal in the summer of 2022.
Barcelona target opens up on transfer links
Ahead of his team’s 1-1 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg draw against Arsenal on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez was queried to address the Barcelona links. He replied (h/t Barca Universal):
“I try not to give too much importance to what they say, because the truth is that every week new things come out, all kinds of new information. I try not to waste energy on that and to focus on what we’re doing here at Atleti.”
Pressed further on his future at his club, Alvarez replied:
“I try not to give too much importance to what’s said in the media, because it often starts becoming a snowball of lies. I can’t keep going out to clarify or deny everything that comes out all the time.”
Alvarez, 26, has been heavily linked with Barcelona since the turn of the year, with Robert Lewandowski expected to leave the Catalan outfit this summer. His current deal at Atletico Madrid will run out in June 2030.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has impressed at Los Rojiblancos since leaving Manchester City in a move worth up to €95 million in 2024. He has contributed 49 goals and 17 assists in 105 total games for his side.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
