Raphinha reveals he considered leaving Barcelona for mega-money deal in Saudi Arabia

• Last Update: October 14, 2025 07:44:27 pm BST • 3 min read

Barcelona winger Raphinha has revealed he came close to leaving the club for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia before new head coach Hansi Flick persuaded him to stay.

The Brazil international told ESPN that he seriously considered the move in the summer of 2024, with the financial package described as “life-changing.”

Raphinha had faced uncertainty over his future following two mixed seasons at Camp Nou and felt that “a lot of people wanted [him] out” before Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez at the helm.

The German manager’s arrival, however, changed everything. Flick installed Raphinha as a key part of his attack and the 27-year-old repaid that faith spectacularly, contributing 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances as Barca claimed a domestic treble: LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa.

“I’ve been playing football since I was 15, I’ve been through good times and bad times everywhere, so there came a point when I thought it was time to take care of myself and my family,” Raphinha said.

“The offer we had from Saudi Arabia really tempted me. It would have solved not just my personal life, but also the lives of my parents, my son… a lot of people.

“Obviously, we thought about leaving [Barcelona]. I thought it might be time to leave, but then we talked to [Flick], first on the phone and then at the beginning of the pre-season, and he managed to convince me to stay. I’m glad he did.”

Feeling disrespected

Raphinha has previously spoken about the sense of disrespect he felt during that same summer, particularly when reports linked Barcelona with a move for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

A viral photo showing a fan wearing a Williams shirt printed with Raphinha’s No. 11 added to his frustration.

“A lot of people [wanted me out],” he said. “It’s impossible to name them all. Suddenly, I wasn’t doing what they thought I should be doing, what they thought I had to do.

“But I always had a clear conscience about what I was able to deliver. I was extremely dedicated. Maybe they wanted 30 goals per season, which isn’t really my style. I’m not a striker, I’m a player who helps a lot with commitment, with a lot of dedication, a lot of hard work, that’s Raphinha. I’ll always give my best.

“So because I wasn’t the player they expected, many wanted me out, they thought I had no future at the club.

“I know who I am, everything I’ve done, everything I’ve been through to get here. It’s not the opinion of those who don’t know me, who don’t know half of what I’ve been through, that’s going to mess with my head.”

Return to form

Raphinha’s revival under Flick has been dramatic. His total of 34 goals last season dwarfed the 20 he produced across his first two campaigns with Barcelona combined, earning him a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.

This season, he has started strongly with three goals in seven games, although a thigh injury has sidelined him for Barca’s last three fixtures.

The winger is expected to miss Saturday’s clash with Girona but should recover in time for El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.