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Al-Hilal Could Use Joao Cancelo Opening to Launch €100m Bid for Barcelona Star

João Cancelo Barcelona

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal could use Joao Cancelo negotiations to launch a bid for Barcelona superstar Raphinha.

Al-Hilal want Raphinha to fill the void Neymar left and become the club’s marquee player.

Barcelona are set to re-sign Cancelo on loan in January. According to reports, Cancelo rejected Inter Milan to fulfil his dream of rejoining Barcelona.

The move comes at a crucial moment for Barcelona. The Blaugrana have been struggling with defensive issues lately, and need an experienced defender.

Initially, they were expected to enter the market for a centre-back, but current options are well out of the Catalan side’s reach.

Cancelo was reportedly not in Simone Inzaghi’s plans for next season, and Al-Hilal are happy to lighten their wage bill.

The negotiations with Barcelona have also allowed Al-Hilal to rekindle their interest in Raphinha.

Al-Hilal Preparing €100m Bid for Barcelona Star Raphinha

In the summer, Al-Hilal attempted to sign Raphinha from Barcelona. However, the club quickly turned them down as he was seen as an integral member of the squad.

Hansi Flick still holds Raphinha in high regard, but due to Barca’s economic condition, a move could potentially materialise.

According to El Nacional, the Saudi Arabian team have unofficially tabled a €100 million offer. They are prepared to pay €80 million up front and the remaining €20 million in add-ons.

Simone Inzaghi has green-lit this operation, as he believes Raphinha is the perfect player to raise the team’s level.

Raphinha and Deco’s Agreement Could Facilitate Move

Raphinha is one of the leading figures at Barcelona and is expected to extend his stay beyond June 2028. However, there is an understanding between the player and Barcelona sporting director Deco that could help Al-Hilal secure his services.

Deco and Raphinha have agreed to entertain irresistible offers, knowing a big sale is needed to make Barcelona solvent again. Al-Hilal are aware of this agreement and believe a €100 million bid would be enough to persuade the club.

The Blaugrana are set to oversee a transition with Robert Lewandowski nearing the end of his contract. They could use the funds from Raphinha’s sale to sign a worthy replacement.

But ultimately, the ball lies firmly in Raphinha’s court. Barca neither want to hold him against his wishes nor force a sale in the summer.

For now, Raphinha is solely focused on leading Barcelona to trophies and helping Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After the tournament concludes, the former Leeds United man will have a career-defining decision to make.

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