Barcelona are still yet to make any major sales this summer, with only Chadi Riad and Marc Guiu leaving any money in the accounts, and it looks as if once again they will have to look beyond Raphinha.
After injuries to Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong made their sales difficult if not impossible, Raphinha again became a prime candidate to leave the club and raise some money. The Brazilian, who still does not have an agent, a year after Deco became Barcelona Sporting Director, remains intent on staying though.
Eric García has many options to stay at the club, especially with Araújo's injury. @fansjavimiguel
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 31, 2024
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha was again approached by agents this week to sound out his openness to joining a side in the Saudi Pro League. However his response was a firm no – he continues to be adamant that he will stay at Barcelona.
🚨🇸🇦 Intermediaries have approached again Raphinha this week to understand his availability to Saudi Pro League move in August.
The answer was clear again: Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona, it's his priority. pic.twitter.com/edGkI20JeW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024
This comes after reports last week claimed that an offer of €65m had arrived at Barcelona’s door from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Despite consistent leaks from Barcelona and pressure on the 27-year-old, Raphinha seems to have little interest in even getting involved in the game.
Soft power!
This too will make the Saudi league get more exposure from the sports fanatics. Knowing and following the sports events in Saudi is something that Saudi Arabia is aiming for.
It is not bad to shed some light on the Saudi Football Pro League. It attracts attention from many people around the world, and to have World class players in it is a strategic move.
Notice that having CR7 and his family in Saudi makes him closer to the Saudi youth and the youth of countries around it in Asia and Africa too. A good example of talent and working hard on oneself to reach this excellent point.