Raphinha’s recent form has given Barcelona a welcome jolt at a key moment in the season. His man-of-the-match performance in the 3-1 win over Atlético Madrid, highlighted by the equalizer that shifted the momentum, underlined how strong he has looked since returning from a two-month muscle injury. His celebration, pointing directly at the crest, served as another public reminder of where his heart lies. In every public conversation, he has repeated the same phrase: “Only Barça.”
His commitment is also evident behind the scenes. Journalists close to the team describe him as fully involved in the daily routine. As journalist Xavi Campos noted, “I see him very comfortable, very integrated, very involved, committed.”
However, reports emerging this week suggest that the winger’s situation may be more nuanced than his public stance. According to Catalunya Ràdio’s Barça Reservat, there is a verbal understanding between Raphinha, Deco, and the club that was established during his contract renewal last season. While he signed until 2028, he reportedly agreed to conditions that would make it easier for him to accept a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should he choose to pursue one.
Campos explained the context of that agreement, saying, “He has a contract until 2028, he renewed last season, but he has had the temptation of Saudi Arabia on the table for a long time. And when he renewed, he agreed with Deco and with Barça on some conditions that could make it easier for him to leave for Saudi Arabia next summer, in 2026, after the World Cup.”
He added that this is not a case of a single club pushing for him: “He does not just have one offer: he has more than one, and for staggering amounts. The offers are on the table, Raphinha has spoken publicly about it.”
According to Diario SPORT, Raphinha currently works without an agent and continues to turn away agencies that try to represent him, insisting he does not want anyone negotiating an exit. For now, the club also considers him an important part of the team under Hansi Flick, and those who observe him daily say he appears settled and motivated. Yet the magnitude of Saudi proposals, as even Campos acknowledged, is the kind of pull “that would make anyone hesitate.”
Nothing indicates a departure in the 2025 summer window, and both player and club maintain that his intention is to continue. But the existence of verbal conditions for 2026, combined with mounting interest from the Middle East, suggests that a decision may eventually rest with Raphinha once the World Cup concludes.
