Barcelona could raise more than €80 million as questions persist over winger’s future | OneFootball

Barcelona were one of the first top teams in Europe to make a move ahead of the summer transfer window, signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

Since then, the club have gone quieter with their transfer operations, and the focus now seems to be on the sales of players who are no longer in Hansi Flick’s plans.

One player who is still very much in Flick’s plans and continues to be an important part of the club is Raphinha, and yet there is a lot of chatter surrounding his future.

According to RadioCAT (h/t FCB World), Raphinha’s stay is not guaranteed, with Al Hilal preparing an initial offer worth €80 million.

Barça could earn even more through negotiation, while the club previously promised the player they would facilitate his departure if he decided he wanted to leave.

Raphinha’s future is still uncertain. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

That promise changes the tone of the story. Should Raphinha feel it is time to leave the club, Barça will have to oblige for the right offer.

Al Hilal keep pushing

Al Hilal have been linked with Raphinha for some time and have renewed contact with the player’s camp over a potential move.

The 29-year-old has put it on the back burner, choosing not to discuss his future until after Brazil’s World Cup campaign.

From Barcelona’s perspective, an €80 million opening offer would be difficult to ignore.

Raphinha is a leader, a worker, a decisive attacker and one of Flick’s most trusted players, but Barça’s financial reality means every major proposal has to be studied.

Barcelona have a big decision to make. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The sporting loss would be serious. Raphinha gives Barça intensity without the ball, directness in attack and a competitive edge that supporters have grown to value.

Barça face a painful calculation

If Raphinha wants to stay, the club should be delighted. He has earned that respect. If he decides after the World Cup that the Saudi offer is too significant to turn down, Barça cannot do much other than see how much money they can get for him.

The key is negotiation. If Al Hilal start at €80 million, Barcelona must push higher or build a deal that protects them properly. A player of Raphinha’s level, status and importance should not leave cheaply.

Barça fans are not ready to start discussing the possibility of Raphinha leaving. He is a favourite of the Camp Nou, and they would want him to stay for the upcoming season and beyond.

Regardless, it does feel like this situation is completely up to the Brazilian himself. It remains to be seen what he tells the club after the World Cup.