Barça’s €90M Superstar Has a Plan: After the 2026 World Cup, a Move to Saudi Arabia Is on the Table — A Verbal Agreement Already in Place

At 28, Raphinha stands as one of Barcelona’s most indispensable fighters on the wing. But now, the Brazilian star’s future holds a new layer of intrigue. According to Mundo Deportivo on December 5, Raphinha and Barça’s sporting director Deco have reached a verbal gentleman’s agreement: after the 2026 World Cup, he will seriously consider leaving Barcelona for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

So far in the 2025–26 La Liga season, Raphinha has delivered 4 goals and 3 assists in just 9 league appearances. During his two-month injury absence, Barcelona’s balance collapsed—neither the attack nor the defense looked the same, and Rashford could not fill his void. The moment Raphinha returned, the team’s energy and fighting spirit skyrocketed. Even Atlético coach Simeone praised him: “Raphinha can do everything. I don’t understand how he hasn’t won a Ballon d’Or.”

Valued at €90 million, Raphinha is under contract until 2028. Although he wants to stay, the gentleman’s agreement leaves his next step wide open.

Saudi clubs have been chasing him relentlessly, offering staggering financial packages. While Raphinha renewed his contract with Barça in May, he agreed that after representing Brazil in the 2026 World Cup, he would reassess the possibility of a Saudi move — and Barcelona would not stand in his way.

This situation mirrors that of Iñigo Martínez this summer. Saudi side Al-Nassr offered him over €10 million net per year on a 1+1 deal—an irresistible proposal for a veteran. Barça let him leave for free, saving €14 million in salary.

Catalunya Radio reports that Barça have already received multiple offers for Raphinha from Saudi Arabia, with transfer fees and wages described as “dizzyingly high.” Raphinha is fully aware of everything on the table.

Despite the temptations, he remains highly professional—focused, hard-working, and hungry for trophies. Remarkably, he doesn’t even have an agent. Anyone trying to approach him receives the same answer: “I’m not thinking about leaving Barça right now.”

But the 2026 World Cup could be the turning point. His final decision will arrive in July next year: continue his journey at Camp Nou, or pursue a golden chapter in Saudi Arabia?