Raphinha admits he 'would have accepted' Saudi Arabia move last summer due to 'life-changing money' - but is now 'open to dreams' with Barcelona as winger chases down Ballon d'Or
Barcelona star Raphinha claimed that he would have been open to joining a Saudi Pro League club last summer.
- Raphinha would have joined a Saudi club last summer
- Al-Hilal preparing ambitious move for Barca star
- Barcelona face Madrid in Copa del Rey final on Saturday
WHAT HAPPENED?
Raphinha has been one of the standout performers for the Catalan club in the 2024-25 campaign, having scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 matches across all competitions. His 30 goals this season include 12 in the Champions League, which makes him the second-highest scorer in the competition, one behind Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Earlier this week, reports emerged that reigning Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal are preparing a stunning transfer bid of €100 million (£86m/$114m) and a four-year contract worth $200m (£150m) for the Brazilian. However, Raphinha has now opened up on his future in Spain as he claimed that he would have accepted such a lucrative offer last summer.
WHAT RAPHINHA SAID
Speaking to TNT Sports, the 28-year-old said: "Yesterday, someone sent me news of the offer from Saudi Arabia. Honestly, I think I would have accepted the offer if it was sent last year. I was struggling mentally, and it was life-changing money for my family. Now, my mind is closed to money, and open to dreams."
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
Hansi Flick's side, who had won the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year, will aim to win their second trophy of the 2024-25 season when they take on rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night.
LEGENDARY Portuguese footballer Luís Figo and his stunning Swedish model wife Helen Svedin have reportedly separated, according to Spanish media.The former Real Madrid and Barcelona star, 52, and the 50-year-old blonde beauty, who tied the knot in 2001, have ended their romantic relationship.Helen Svedin has three children with Luis FigoLuis Figo was so good he won the Ballon D'orFigo, who ha...

Liverpool manager Arne Slot chanted the name of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp after guiding the Reds to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title on Sunday.Slot’s side secured the Premier League crown with four games to spare as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 on a sunny afternoon at Anfield.The Dutchman had a tough act to follow after replacing the hugely popular and successful ...

Pep Guardiola admitted winning the FA Cup will not be enough to call Manchester City’s season a success on the day his side reached the final but were dethroned as Premier League champions.Rico Lewis scored after just 109 seconds against Nottingham Forest at Wembley before Josko Gvardiol extended City’s advantage in the second half.City then rode their luck when Forest struck the woodw...

Rico Lewis scored after just 109 seconds to send Manchester City on their way to a third consecutive FA Cup final following a 2-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest at Wembley.Josko Gvardiol extended City’s advantage after 51 minutes before they rode their luck when Morgan Gibbs-White hit the crossbar, and then the post, as Forest attempted a comeback.Taiwo Awoniyi struck the City woodwork for a th...

Chris Davies believes Birmingham’s new League One points record will not be broken after their 4-0 victory over Mansfield took their tally to 105.Goals from Keshi Anderson, Willum Willumsson, Kieran Dowell and Tomoki Iwata, gave Birmingham their 32nd victory of the league campaign and saw them move past Wolves’ record of 103 set in 2013-14.The hosts were presented with the trophy after...

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in style as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield.First-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all but wrapped up a record-equalling 20th top-flight title before Mohammed Salah’s 28th goal of a prolific campaign and a Destiny Udogie own goal made the scoreline emphatic.Spurs briefly threatened to spoil a ...

Ruben Amorim reassured Manchester United fans “everything can change” in the balance of Premier League power after rivals Liverpool emulated his club’s record 20 top-flight titles.While Arne Slot’s runaway leaders were on the cusp of being crowned champions with victory over Tottenham at Anfield, 14th-placed United required an added-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to scr...

Stevenage manager Alex Revell felt his side’s 1-1 draw against Rotherham was “a nice way to finish” – but he wanted more.Sam Nombe had put the Millers ahead in the eighth minute and that seemed to be enough until centre-half Dan Sweeney, thrown on as a makeshift striker after 88 minutes, snuck in to head the ball over goalkeeper Dillon Phillips two minutes into stoppage tim...

Birmingham set a new League One points record with a 4-0 hammering of Mansfield to reach 105 with two games remaining.First-half goals from Keshi Anderson and Willum Willumsson, followed by strikes in the second from Kieran Dowell and Tomoki Iwata, saw Chris Davies’ side pass the previous best of 103 set by Wolves in the 2013/14 season.The League One champions now need two more points to bre...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Liverpool draw level with arch rivals Manchester United on a record 20 top-flight titles Good Job Arne Liverpool EPL Champions 2024/25 Hojlund is back Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd Toshiro Rudigaya after 120 mins Inter in April Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, BleacherReportFootball)...



- 1 Phoenix Patterson and Zech Medley on target as Fleetwood defeat Newport
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Omar Sowunmi earns Bromley dramatic draw at Barrow
- 4 Jimmy Thelin praises Kevin Nisbet’s moment of magic as Aberdeen beat Hibernian
- 5 Andy Carroll and girlfriend put on loved-up display on holiday
- 6 Ancelotti in Brazil job talks
- 7 Steve Bruce bemoans ‘worst penalty decision’ as Blackpool held by Wigan
- 8 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 9 Dimitri Payet breaks silence on claims made by his ex-lover
- 10 Malik Mothersille’s missed penalty proves costly for Peterborough