Barcelona were ‘very open’ to selling club captain to Saudi Arabia this summer – report

Barcelona were ‘very open’ to selling club captain to Saudi Arabia this summer – report Barcelona were willing to listen to offers for Raphinha earlier in the summer transfer window, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a particularly attractive destination from the club’s financial point of view. The Brazilian winger was repeatedly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League during the early stages of the window, and a new revelation from journalist Romain Molina suggests that Barcelona were far from against the idea of a sale. According to Molina, the possibility of Raphinha leaving had been considered seriously enough for Barcelona to prepare for life without him. In fact, the club only moved to sign young winger Jesse Bisiwu with the potential departure of Raphinha already in mind, particularly if a lucrative offer arrived from Saudi Arabia. Explaining Barcelona’s position, Molina said,  “We know the board were very open to the player leaving, particularly to Saudi Arabia.  “That’s actually why Barça signed another young winger (Jesse Bisiwu): everything was planned in advance just in case.” Barcelona saw Raphinha sale as financial opportunity Barcelona considered selling Raphinha this summer. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) Barcelona’s willingness to consider a Raphinha transfer was closely linked to the club’s financial situation. Saudi Arabian clubs were prepared to spend heavily on the Brazilian, making a potential deal difficult for Barcelona to ignore.  The possibility of receiving a significant transfer fee would have given the Blaugrana greater room to manage their finances and potentially strengthen other areas of the squad. Molina also pointed towards Raphinha’s physical situation and his contract ambitions as factors worth watching. “Now, will Saudi Arabia come back with another bid at the end of the transfer window? No idea.  “A while ago, particularly last year, a move was already on the cards, and there were further talks this winter.” The journalist added that Raphinha’s injury history could become increasingly important as Barcelona consider his future. Raphinha is Barcelona’s newly-appointed captain. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) “But this whole history of injuries is starting to cause some concern. So we’ll have to see what happens on that front.” Raphinha’s exit could help Barcelona fund a new No. 9 The biggest reason Barcelona may remain open to a sale is what the money could allow them to do next. The club’s search for a new striker has become increasingly important, particularly with their pursuit of Julian Alvarez falling apart .  Barcelona may therefore need significant financial backing if they are to compete for another elite No. 9. Hence, a major sale involving Raphinha could change that situation. “In reality, for Barça, if Raphinha were to leave, it would give them much greater financial peace of mind and, above all, allow them to spend a huge amount on the number 9.” That is where the Raphinha to Saudi Arabia links become particularly relevant for Barcelona. Selling one of their biggest attacking names would obviously come with a sporting cost, but the financial return could help the club address what is currently their biggest priority: signing a top-level striker.