Saudi Arabian outfit deny links with Barcelona attacker, claims club’s name is being used unnecessarily
Barcelona’s recent moves in the market has generated a lot of excitement among fans, with the club all set to bring in Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi while Belgium’s Jesse Bisiwu is also expected to join.
However, these moves may be a sign of Raphinha’s ominous future at Barcelona, as the Brazilian international has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Reports have indicated that Al Hilal, in particular, are keen on bringing Raphinha to the club, with Barcelona set to hold talks over his future soon.
Al Hilal deny Raphinha rumours
But in an interesting twist, Al Hilal have moved to shut down the speculation entirely, distancing themselves from any pursuit of the Barcelona forward.
Raphinha’s future at Barcelona remains unsure. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Speaking through the Arabic outlet 365Scores (h/t Diario SPORT), the Saudi club insisted they have not opened talks for Raphinha and that the Brazilian does not feature among their priorities as they look to strengthen their squad for the current campaign.
Al Hilal are said to be growing frustrated at seeing their name dragged into the saga, the report adds.
The club believe the links stem from the self-interest of one of the parties involved, with the suggestion being that Al Hilal’s name is being used as leverage to help Raphinha secure improved terms at Barcelona.
The Saudi side were emphatic that no contact, whether verbal or in person, has taken place with Raphinha’s representatives, and that they do not anticipate any such approach materialising over the course of the summer.
Al Hilal are, in fact, in dialogue with Barcelona over a separate matter, with the Saudi club closing in on a deal to sign Joao Cancelo, an agreement that is understood to be all but done.
That existing line of communication makes the Raphinha rumours all the more curious, and it is easy to understand why Al Hilal are keen to draw a clear distinction between the two situations.
It is worth noting that Raphinha remains a coveted figure, with interest in his signature stretching beyond Saudi Arabia to the Premier League.
What’s in store for Raphinha’s future? (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Should he wish to explore his options, a lucrative offer would almost certainly present itself. However, all indications are that no such move is on the winger’s agenda at this stage.
Raphinha committed to the cause
The strongest sign that Raphinha is going nowhere lies in his own stance and his contractual situation.
The Brazilian recently extended his deal with Barcelona until 2028 and remains fully intent on staying to spearhead the club’s push for a long-awaited Champions League triumph.
While that contract may look slightly outdated in light of potential new arrivals and other renewals across the squad, Barcelona regard the matter as settled.
The forward has repeatedly stressed his commitment to the project, and his importance to Hansi Flick’s side is beyond question.
