Barcelona star Raphinha has revealed that he has received a lucrative offer to move to the Saudi Pro League, but has suggested that his preference is to extend his contract at Camp Nou.
The 28-year-old winger has put himself in contention to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or as he has enjoyed an exceptional season in front of goal for the Catalan giants, scoring 30 goals and registering 23 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.
Raphinha has played an integral role in Hansi Flick's treble-chasing side, who won the Copa de Rey at the hands of El Clasico rivals Real Madrid last weekend and remain on course to win the La Liga title and Champions League this term.
The Brazil international is under contract at Camp Nou until June 2027 and recently expressed his desire to remain at Barca, stating that he "will do everything possible to stay here for many years."
However, Raphinha has been linked with a big-money exit in recent weeks, with one report claiming that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are preparing a mouthwatering package worth in excess of €275m (£235m) to sign the winger.
Raphinha has confirmed that he has been "sent" an offer from Saudi Arabia and has admitted that he would have accepted it last summer when he was experiencing "a bit of a psychological breakdown".
© Imago
Raphinha more "closed" to money and "open" to dreams at Barca
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, Raphinha said: "Someone sent me news of the offer from Saudi Arabia, and honestly, I was very surprised because the numbers are very, very high. Honestly, if I had received this offer last year, I think I would have gone.
"At that time, I was in a bit of a psychological breakdown, and this offer would solve everything in my life, my wife's life, and my family's life. It was an amount of money that would change our lives completely."
Raphinha has suggested that every players would be tempted to join a Saudi club if they were presented with a lucrative offer, but he still has personal aspirations to continue thriving in Europe and a contract extension at Barcelona has not been ruled out, after admitting that he is more "closed" to money and "open" to dreams.
"Anyone who says he won't go is lying, because it's impossible to see numbers of this magnitude and not think that this offer will change your life, and that you might go," Raphinha added.
"I was thinking that I had a lot to offer here in Europe, I still had a lot to offer this club, and I still had a great opportunity to continue representing the national team. This is what made me close my ears a little to money, and open my mind more to my dreams."
Raphinha has also been linked with Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, but it is understood that the winger would prefer to continue his career with Barcelona.
Oliver Thomas
