How Raphinha almost left Barcelona after Saudi offer ‘shook him up’

He won a domestic treble, finished joint-top scorer in the Champions League and was crowned La Liga’s best player, but Raphinha has revealed that he almost left Barcelona at the end of last season.

The 28-year-old Brazil international produced 34 goals and 26 assists for the Spanish club last term, an extraordinary return given that Barcelona had at one point been open to selling him in order to fund a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

It was not the first time Raphinha has been made to feel unwanted in Catalonia, with some doubting his ability almost from the moment he signed from Leeds three summers ago. So when a lucrative offer arrived from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, the winger was all ears.

What Raphinha said about almost leaving Barcelona for Al-Hilal

“I’ve been playing football since I was 15,” Raphinha told ESPN Brazil. “I’ve been through good things and bad things everywhere, so there came a time when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family. The offer we received from Saudi Arabia really shook me up; it would solve my personal life, my parents’, my son’s, and a lot of people’s.”

Raphinha’s willingness to give serious consideration to the offer was all the greater for the fact that manager Xavi Hernández had shown little faith in him. Often used as a substitute, the attacker completed the full 90 minutes on just occasions in his first two seasons at Barcelona. 

How Hansi Flick intervened to keep Raphinha at Barcelona

With Raphinha yet to win over the club hierarchy, the prospect of lifelong financial security held obvious appeal. But the shock dismissal of Xavi, closely followed by a phone call from incoming manager Hansi Flick, which the former Germany boss followed up with a face-to-face conversation at the beginning of pre-season, persuaded the Brazilian to stay. For perhaps the first time as a Barcelona player, he felt wanted. 

“A lot of people [wanted him to leave the club during Xavi’s tenure],” said Raphinha, who scored just 20 goals in his first two seasons in Spain. “I can’t name them all. Suddenly, I wasn’t doing what they thought I should do. I’ve always had a clear conscience about what I could deliver. I dedicated myself. 

“Maybe they wanted 30 goals a season, which isn’t really my goal. I’m not a centre-forward. I’m a player who helps a lot with dedication, hard work, and commitment – that’s Raphinha. I’ll always give my best.”

Last season, his best helped Barcelona to a domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles. Combined with a starring role in the club’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, in which he racked up a total of 21 goal contributions, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s single-season record, it was enough to earn the Brazilian fifth place at the Ballon d’Or awards. Al-Hilal’s loss was undoubtedly Barcelona’s gain.