Overview

• In an ESPN interview published this week, the Brazilian winger said a 2024 proposal from Saudi Arabia was financially life-changing and made him consider leaving to secure his family’s future.
• He recounted speaking first by phone and then in person with newly appointed Hansi Flick in preseason, conversations he says convinced him to remain at Barcelona.
• Raphinha described feeling that many at the club wanted him out, a perception he says he answered with performance rather than words.
• Under Flick last season he produced 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances as Barcelona won LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa, earning fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
• He is currently out with a thigh injury and is expected, per reports, to target a return for the Oct. 26 El Clásico, with outlets also reporting a contract running through 2028.