Even after the transfer window is closed, the rumor mill continues to churn out speculations. This time, the situation is from the Saudi Arabian soccer landscape, as a $108 million Barcelona star has become the latest to join the Middle Eastern rumors. Reports indicate that Al Nassr, the domestic side of Cristiano Ronaldo, will battle against their two biggest arch-rivals for Raphinha.

The future of the 27-year-old at Camp Nou isn’t sorted out yet. Over the past few months, the Brazilian international has been linked with leaving the Spanish giants due to performances that have not met the expectations of certain board members at Barcelona. Now, as per Turkish journalist, Ekrem Konur, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal seek to acquire Raphinha from Barcelona. Reportedly, all three Roshn Saudi League teams are willing to pay up to €100 million ($108 million) for the 27-year-old. Notably, this isn’t the 1st time the Brazilian winger has been linked with leaving Europe. Throughout the summer transfer window, Raphinha was tipped to join Ronaldo in Riyadh. 

However, the Catalans came out at the last minute, giving him another chance to establish himself. He was also later seen as a replacement for Al Hilal’s injured star Neymar, which would also see him unite with his fellow Brazilian mate. However, Karim Benzema‘s domestic side becomes the latest party to join the race for the former Leeds United man. Notably, Raphinha’s contract expires on June 30, 2027, with Barcelona paying around $70 million for him in 2022. Certainly, selling him for the aforementioned price or higher will only prove to be a profitable deal for the La Liga side. After all, the club’s Sporting Director himself indirectly acknowledged the club’s willingness to part ways. 

Deco claims losing Raphinha would be a shame for Barcelona!

Deco previously indicated that as the Blaugrana aim to boost their finances in the upcoming months, the club appears willing to let go of the Brazilian. He said, “It’s a shame to lose Raphinha, but we’re getting Pedri back. We’re a little used to it but it’s a shame because he’s an important player for us.” Notably, these words contradicted his earlier stance about the forward. 

Deco earlier blocked the Brazilian winger’s move. However, now it seems that they are ready to move on from him, who has notched just 15 goals and 22 assists in over 78 appearances across all competitions. Indeed, selling Raphinha may have become a necessity, as they’ve clocked back-to-back financial losses. And with Xavi set to leave the club, who knows, they might be on a run to rebuild for the new manager.

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On the other hand, let’s see if one of these three Saudi clubs can prove to be successful are convince Raphinha.

Confirming Return to Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Teammate Puts His Saudi Pro League Future in Doubt