FC Barcelona forward Raphinha is understood to be evaluating whether to continue at the Catalan club beyond the current campaign, according to reports from Spain, with interest from Saudi Arabia intensifying ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old has endured a difficult season at Camp Nou, sitting out 19 matches across all competitions due to recurring fitness problems. According to reports, Raphinha has used his most recent injury layoff as an opportunity to take stock of his physical condition and reflect on whether his long-term future lies with Barcelona.
While no definitive decision has been reached, Barcelona are reportedly aware of the winger’s deliberations and are said to be more receptive than previously to the prospect of sanctioning a summer departure. The shift in the club’s internal stance marks a notable development given Raphinha’s prominence in Hansi Flick‘s squad.
Saudi Arabian clubs represent the most probable destination should the former Leeds United man opt to leave. Clubs from the Gulf nation have reportedly monitored the Brazilian for several years and are expected to make renewed approaches during the upcoming transfer window. Raphinha joined Leeds United from Rennes in 2020 and moved to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for a fee reported at the time to be in the region of €58 million.
Despite the swirling speculation, current indications suggest that Raphinha could remain at Barcelona for at least one additional season. A significant factor in any decision is understood to be his desire to contribute to the club winning the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona last lifted European football’s premier club trophy in 2015, and reclaiming that title is reported to be a driving motivation for the winger.
Additionally, Raphinha is said to retain the full confidence of head coach Hansi Flick, who took charge of Barcelona ahead of the 2024/25 season. Strong relationships within the dressing room are also cited as factors that could ultimately influence him to stay. Flick’s backing carries particular weight given the German manager’s track record of success, having guided Bayern Munich to a treble — including the Champions League — during the 2019/20 campaign.
The situation is one of several high-profile contract and transfer matters Barcelona are navigating as the season draws to a close, with the club continuing to manage significant financial constraints under La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. Any outgoing transfer involving a high-value asset such as Raphinha could have meaningful implications for Barcelona’s ability to reinvest in the squad this summer.
No official statement has been issued by Barcelona or the player’s representatives regarding his future. The story continues to develop as the end of the 2025/26 season approaches.
