Barcelona receive major boost after Saudi giants change transfer plans | OneFootball

Barcelona may have been handed an unexpected advantage in their efforts to keep Raphinha at the club beyond this summer. 

The Brazilian winger has been heavily linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks, but the latest developments suggest that Al-Hilal are now prioritising another world-class forward.

The Saudi Pro League giants have long admired Raphinha and were expected to renew their pursuit after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

However, a fresh report indicates that Mohamed Salah has now become their primary transfer target, significantly reducing the immediate threat of Barcelona losing one of Hansi Flick’s most important attackers.

According to SPORT, Al-Hilal have intensified their efforts to sign the Liverpool star, giving Barcelona fresh hope that Raphinha could remain at Spotify Camp Nou.

Al-Hilal turn focus towards Mohamed Salah

Raphinha has remained on Al-Hilal’s shortlist for several months, but he is no longer the only attacker under consideration.

Al-Hilal are focused on Mohamed Salah. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

This is because the Saudi club has tabled an ambitious proposal for Mohamed Salah that includes a three-year contract with the option of a fourth season. 

The offer also guarantees a net salary of €20 million per year, matching the financial package believed to have been prepared for Raphinha.

Recently, reports claimed that the Brazilian had asked Al-Hilal to resume discussions once his involvement with Brazil at the World Cup would be concluded.

For now, though, Raphinha’s attention remains fixed on recovering from injury. 

The Barcelona winger is currently undergoing an intensive rehabilitation programme that includes three training sessions each day as he races to return in time for a potential World Cup quarter-final on July 5, provided Brazil progress through their upcoming knockout fixture.

Barcelona’s fears over Raphinha exit begin to ease

Raphinha is most likely to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

It must be remembered that this is not the first time Al-Hilal have tried to lure Raphinha away from Barcelona.

Back in the summer of 2024, shortly after Hansi Flick took charge, the Saudi club made an extraordinary attempt to convince the winger to leave Spain. 

They reportedly offered him a three-year contract worth €100 million net, a proposal that Raphinha later admitted made him seriously reflect on his future.

However, this time around, with Al-Hilal now concentrating their resources on signing Salah, the immediate pressure surrounding Raphinha’s future appears to have eased. 

While the Brazilian remains an attractive option for the Saudi club, he no longer seems to be their first-choice target.