Football is bracing for a potential shock following reports that Al Hilal have reignited their interest in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha. Saudi club officials have taken advantage of recent negotiations over João Cancelo’s loan deal to put a staggering offer on the table.
According to El Nacional, the Saudi Pro League giants have submitted a bid worth €100 million, consisting of €80 million guaranteed and a further €20 million in performance-related bonuses.
The move is aimed at filling the void left by Neymar Jr. and strengthening Simone Inzaghi’s squad as the undisputed powerhouse of Asian football. Meanwhile, Barcelona are carefully assessing an offer that, due to its sheer financial scale, would be virtually impossible to match in the current European market.
The Riyadh-based club’s sporting project spares no expense in its attempt to convince the 29-year-old winger to move to Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal want Raphinha to become the new face of the team after the disappointing impact of their previous high-profile Brazilian signing.
Saudi representatives have reportedly prepared a stratospheric contract that would exceed all salary expectations, aiming to lure the player with a winning, financially unbeatable project.
Despite an initial rejection from Barcelona president Joan Laporta last summer, Al Hilal’s persistence suggests that money is no obstacle. Inzaghi has personally approved the move, viewing the Brazilian as the ideal player to raise the competitive level of his system.
Raphinha is currently at the peak of his time at Barcelona and has become an undisputed leader under Hansi Flick. The German coach has repeatedly stated that he considers the Brazilian indispensable, both for his defensive work rate and his attacking qualities.
However, Al Hilal are confident that the €100 million offer could force Barcelona’s board—currently in need of revenue—to reconsider their stance.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Raphinha is focused on securing a regular starting place for his national team and shining on the world stage. While his initial desire has always been to succeed at Barcelona, a so-called “gentleman’s agreement” with the club’s sporting director could ultimately change everything.
