Barcelona unwilling to sell €50 million-rated star to Al Hilal this winter, summer option open

After bidding farewell to Ousmane Dembele last summer, Raphinha was promoted to the primary right-winger at Barcelona.

The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive debut season, where he notched 24 goals and assists, but has failed to meet the lofty expectations he had set for himself this season.

And Barcelona’s patience is reportedly wearing thin with the Brazilian, who will no longer be indispensable to the squad if his performances do not improve.

With Premier League teams and Saudi Arabia maintaining interest in the player, Raphinha is considered a saleable asset who could generate a great deal of funds for Barcelona.

Interest from Al Hilal

Now, as per SPORT, Al Hilal have once again revived their interest in Raphinha and would be willing to acquire the €50 million-rated star as early as this winter.

Al Hilal had inquired about Raphinha back in August, but the player was unwilling to leave Barça, and Deco, the sporting director, vouched for his continuity.

Although there is some disappointment with Raphinha’s performance this season, Barça have opted for the 27-year-old forward as the unquestioned starter, and he is expected to continue to start; in fact, Xavi uses him more often than either Ferran Torres or Lamine Yamal.

As such, due to the impossibility of incorporating new players, Barça will not allow anyone to leave now, in January.

However, in order to increase the salary margin and make room for new players, they will need to make two or three significant sales in the forthcoming summer transfer window. Raphinha is one of the players who can fetch the highest transfer fees.

And as time progresses, Raphinha’s performance will continue to be evaluated. In the event that he is considered disposable by the end of the season, offers from abroad will be considered.