Raphinha reveals he considered leaving Barcelona for mega-money deal in Saudi Arabia
Barcelona winger Raphinha has revealed he was close to leaving the club for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia before new head coach Hansi Flick persuaded him to stay.
The Brazil international told ESPN he seriously considered the move in the summer of 2024, with the financial package described as “life-changing”.
Raphinha faced uncertainty over his future after two mixed seasons at the Camp Nou and felt “a lot of people wanted [him] out” before Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez at the helm.
But the arrival of the German manager changed everything. Flick installed Raphinha as a key part of his attack and the 27-year-old returned that trust in spectacular fashion, contributing 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances as Barca won a domestic treble: LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
“I've been playing football since I was 15, I've been through good times and bad times everywhere, so there came a time when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family,” Raphinha said.
“The offer we received from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would have resolved not only my personal life, but also that of my parents, my son… a lot of people.
“Obviously, we thought about leaving [Barcelona]. I thought maybe it was time to leave, but then we talked to [Flick]first on the phone then at the start of pre-season, and he managed to convince me to stay. I'm glad he did.
Feeling disrespected
Raphinha has previously spoken about the feeling of disrespect he felt during that same summer, particularly when reports linked Barcelona to a move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
A viral photo showing a fan wearing a Williams shirt printed with Raphinha's number 11 added to his frustration.
“A lot of people [wanted me out]”, he said. “It is impossible to name them all. Suddenly I wasn't doing what they thought I should be doing, what they thought I should be doing.
“But I always had a clear conscience about what I was capable of achieving. I was extremely dedicated. Maybe they wanted 30 goals a season, which is not really my style. I'm not a striker, I'm a player who helps a lot with his commitment, with a lot of dedication, a lot of work, that's Raphinha. I will always do my best.
“So because I wasn't the player they expected, many wanted me to step down, they thought I had no future at the club.
“I know who I am, everything I've done, everything I've been through to get here. It's not the opinion of those who don't know me, who don't know half of what I've been through, that's going to mess with my head.”
Return to form
Raphinha's renaissance under Flick has been spectacular. His tally of 34 goals last season eclipsed the 20 he produced in his first two campaigns with Barcelona combined, earning him a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting.
This season he has started well with three goals in seven games, although a thigh injury has kept him out of Barca's last three matches.
The winger is expected to miss Saturday's clash against Girona but is expected to recover in time for the Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.
2025-10-14 18:44:00
