FC Barcelona is currently in a holding pattern as they await a formal transfer offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for their Brazilian winger Raphinha. Sources including SPORT and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicate that the club plans to have one final discussion with the 29-year-old forward before deciding on the deal. This development follows Raphinha’s recent World Cup exit with Brazil, after which he has been resting in his hometown of Porto Alegre before returning to Barcelona for preseason under coach Hansi Flick.

Raphinha’s circumstances have shifted considerably since last season. Just a year ago, he was pivotal for Barcelona, contributing as a Champions League top scorer and even contending for the Ballon d’Or in a campaign that saw the club win a domestic treble. However, injuries have taken a toll, as he missed over 20 matches last season—including key Champions League quarterfinal games—and has shown physical wear as he approaches 30. These factors have caused the club to reconsider his future.

Barcelona appears to be proactively preparing for the possibility of Raphinha’s departure. In recent months, they have signed two left-wingers, Anthony Gordon for $80 million from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi for a reported $25 million plus $8 million in add-ons. These acquisitions signal the club’s strategic intent to refresh their squad on the left flank, positioning themselves well in case they cash in on Raphinha while his contract still runs through June 2028.

Selling Raphinha now would allow Barcelona to secure a significant transfer fee rather than risking losing him for free as his contract nears expiry. With Al-Hilal’s interest longstanding and the Saudi club reportedly ready to make an offer post-World Cup, the decision to sell could come shortly. As the next season approaches, this potential transfer will be a major storyline within the Catalan press and closely watched by fans eager to see how Barcelona navigates this key transition.