Barcelona winger Raphinha has disclosed he seriously considered accepting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia before manager Hansi Flick persuaded him to remain at Camp Nou. The Brazil international, who signed a contract extension through 2028, told ESPN he felt pressured to leave after underwhelming performances during his first two seasons.
Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 but struggled to meet expectations initially. Sources indicated the club explored alternatives, including Athletic Club\'s Nico Williams, which the Brazilian found disrespectful.
The German manager\'s arrival in summer 2024 proved decisive in Raphinha\'s career trajectory. Flick deployed him on the left side of attack and the 27-year-old responded emphatically with 34 goals and 26 assists across 57 appearances. Barcelona captured LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercopa titles during that campaign.
\"The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me,\" Raphinha said. \"It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son... a lot of people.\"
He acknowledged widespread doubts about his Barcelona future before Flick\'s intervention changed everything.
\"A lot of people [wanted me out],\" Raphinha explained. \"Suddenly, I wasn\'t doing what they thought I should be doing. Maybe they wanted 30 goals per season, which isn\'t really my style.\"
The forward has managed three goals in seven matches this season before sustaining a thigh injury. Sources told ESPN he will miss Saturday\'s fixture against Girona but should return for the October 26 Clásico against Real Madrid.
His availability provides crucial relief for Barcelona, who have lost Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo to injuries this week. Raphinha finished fifth in this year\'s Ballon d\'Or voting, cementing his status among elite players.