Barcelona sporting director Deco has reportedly blocked the summer departure of 27-year-old Brazilian international Raphinha amid interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Raphinha is the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs heading into the summer transfer window. The big-spending giants are ready to cough up over €80 million to sign the 27-year-old Barcelona attacker. However, Deco has blocked his departure, ruling out a summer exit.
How has Raphinha fared at FC Barcelona?
Raphinha has been a pivotal figure for Barcelona since arriving from Leeds United in July 2022. While the Brazilian international has blown hot and cold in the last two years, there have been phases where he has produced numerous game-changing performances for the Blaugrana.
The 27-year-old enjoyed an exceptional 2023/24 campaign, contributing to 23 goals in less than 2,000 minutes of game time across 37 appearances in all competitions. The player found the back of the net ten times while providing 13 assists. Meanwhile, Raphinha’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs.
Premier League bigwigs have shown interest in the Barcelona attacker, with intermediaries also offering him to them. Meanwhile, the Catalan giants have entertained the idea of cashing in on him in the summer transfer window due to their never-ending financial issues. The latest update has talked about moves from the Saudi Pro League.
Middle Eastern move on the horizon?
Widespread reports have claimed that the big-spending Saudi giants are ready to break the bank to sign Raphinha from Barcelona. The latest update by SPORT has revealed that they are willing to offer more than €80 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
However, a summer move to the Saudi Pro League will unlikely see the light of day, with Deco blocking Raphinha’s exit. While recouping more than €80 million from the sale of the 27-year-old is an attractive prospect, they have ruled out a summer departure of the former Leeds United talisman.
With the Brazilian international proving his worth, it is hardly surprising that Barcelona will look to keep hold of him beyond the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see who the big-spending Saudi giants turn to next.
