According to a report from journalist Joaquim Piera via SPORT, Raphinha made it clear to Deco this summer that he had no intentions of leaving Barcelona, regardless of any interest from Premier League clubs.
The Brazilian winger was firm in his stance, stating that he would not consider a move away under any circumstances.
Furthermore, the report highlights that in August, Al-Hilal made a significant offer for Raphinha, reportedly around €100 million including various bonuses.
While Barcelona were open to accepting this offer, Raphinha himself turned it down, staying true to his commitment to the club.
His decision has been a positive aspect of Barcelona’s early season success under Hansi Flick, with the winger making a notable impact.
Offer from Saudi Arabia
This summer was a pivotal moment for the Brazilian, as an offer from Al-Hilal came through. The proposal amounted to €100 million with add-ons, a fee Barcelona were keen to accept.
To put it into perspective, Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds United two years ago for €58 million, of which €23.2 million has already been paid off. This potential sale could have been a financial boost for the club, but Raphinha had other ideas.
Al-Hilal’s offer included a lucrative deal for Raphinha, with a contract offering him €25 million per season over four years, significantly increasing his earnings.
Yet, despite the financial benefits, Raphinha swiftly declined, telling the club, “No, thank you.”
Raphinha did not want to leave
Even before the Copa America, Raphinha had informed Deco, his former agent and current sporting director at Barcelona, that he wasn’t interested in leaving the club.
Whether it was a move to Saudi Arabia or a potential return to the Premier League, with clubs like Newcastle and Arsenal showing interest, his answer would have remained the same.
For Raphinha, staying at Barcelona was always the right decision. His strong start to the season justifies this, and the fact that his teammates have chosen him to be one of the club captains further validates his choice.
