Barcelona winger Raphinha has opened up about nearly leaving the club for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia before the arrival of Hansi Flick in 2024 changed his mind.
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The Brazilian international, who penned a contract extension until 2028 earlier this year, confessed that he felt unwanted at the club after a turbulent first two seasons. However, Flick’s arrival as head coach — succeeding Xavi Hernández — reignited his passion and faith in the Barcelona project.
Under Flick’s management, Raphinha became a central figure in Barça’s attacking system, often deployed on the left wing. The former Leeds United star delivered an outstanding season, amassing 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances as Barcelona secured a historic treble — winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 15 and have experienced highs and lows everywhere I’ve been,” Raphinha told ESPN. “There came a point where I thought maybe it was time to focus on taking care of myself and my family.”
Raphinha revealed that a massive offer from Saudi Arabia nearly convinced him to make the switch.
“The offer from Saudi was truly tempting. It could have changed not just my life but the lives of my parents, my son — everyone around me,” he explained. “We seriously considered leaving Barcelona. I thought it might be the right moment to go. But then I spoke with Flick — first over the phone and later during preseason — and he managed to convince me to stay. Looking back, I’m really glad I did.”
Earlier that summer, the winger expressed frustration over a lack of respect from parts of the club and fanbase. Reports linking Barça with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams particularly upset him, especially when an image went viral of a fan wearing a Williams shirt with Raphinha’s iconic No. 11 on the back.
“A lot of people wanted me out,” he admitted. “I can’t even count them all. Suddenly, I wasn’t living up to their expectations of what I should be doing on the pitch. But I always gave everything — my effort, my dedication, my commitment. That’s who Raphinha is.”
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The 28-year-old emphasized that while some expected him to score 30 goals a season, his contribution goes beyond pure numbers.
“I’m not an out-and-out striker. My game is about helping the team — pressing, creating, fighting for every ball. Just because I wasn’t the player they imagined doesn’t mean I had no future here.”
Raphinha’s belief in himself has paid off. His 34-goal tally last season was a significant leap from the 20 goals he managed across his first two campaigns combined. His resurgence even earned him a top-five finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings — a remarkable turnaround for a player once written off.
So far this season, Raphinha has netted three goals in seven matches, but a thigh injury has sidelined him for Barça’s last three fixtures. According to ESPN sources, he’s unlikely to feature against Girona this weekend but is expected to return in time for the Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26.
His comeback will be a crucial lift for Barcelona, who are currently dealing with injuries to Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo. Flick will be hoping Raphinha’s return sparks another wave of momentum as the team looks to maintain their dominance across all competitions.
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