In their attempts to retain Raphinha past this summer, Barcelona might have been given an unanticipated benefit.
In recent weeks, the Brazilian winger has been strongly connected to a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia; however, the most recent information indicates that Al-Hilal is now giving priority to another elite striker.
After the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Saudi Pro League powerhouses, who had long idolized Raphinha, were anticipated to resume their chase.
But according to a recent source, Mohamed Salah is now their top transfer target, greatly lessening the imminent risk of Barcelona losing one of Hansi Flick’s most crucial attackers.
Al-Hilal has reportedly stepped up their attempts to sign the Liverpool player, giving Barcelona new optimism that Raphinha might stay at Spotify Camp Nou, according to SPORT.
Al-Hilal shifts his attention to Mohamed Salah
Although Raphinha is no longer the sole attacker being considered, he has been on Al-Hilal’s shortlist for a number of months.
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This is due to the Saudi club’s bold offer for Mohamed Salah, which consists of a three-year contract with a fourth season option.
Additionally, the offer ensures a net compensation of €20 million annually, which corresponds to the reportedly prepared financial package for Raphinha.
According to recent rumors, the Brazilian asked Al-Hilal to continue talks after his World Cup participation with Brazil was over.
However, Raphinha’s focus is still on healing from his injuries for the time being.
In order to recover in time for a possible World Cup quarterfinal on July 5, assuming Brazil wins their next elimination match, the Barcelona winger is currently going through a rigorous rehabilitation regimen that consists of three training sessions every day.
Raphinha’s departure is starting to allay Barcelona’s worries.
It is important to keep in mind that Al-Hilal has already attempted to entice Raphinha to leave Barcelona.
The Saudi club made a remarkable effort to persuade the winger to leave Spain back in the summer of 2024, just after Hansi Flick took over.
According to reports, they made him an offer of €100 million net for a three-year contract, which Raphinha later said caused him to seriously consider his future.
However, the immediate pressure surrounding Raphinha’s future seems to have subsided this time around, as Al-Hilal is now focusing its energies on signing Salah.
The Brazilian is still a desirable option for the Saudi team, but he doesn’t appear to be their top pick anymore.
