Barça's Raphinha considered exit for Saudi

Raphinha admits he nearly left for a lucrative Saudi offer before Hansi Flick persuaded him to stay at Barcelona. He enjoyed a career-best season with 34 goals and 26 assists but is nursing a thigh injury and likely to miss Saturday’s game; expected back for the Clásico on Oct. 26. Betting tip: avoid backing Raphinha to score this weekend, but consider Barcelona win/total-goals markets once he’s confirmed for the Clásico.

Raphinha: Nearly lured to Saudi Arabia before Flick convinced him to stay

Hansi Flick’s arrival changed Raphinha’s Barcelona future. The winger has revealed he seriously considered a life-changing offer from Saudi Arabia that would have secured his family’s future, but Flick persuaded him to remain at the club ahead of the new season.

Flick’s faith rewarded as Raphinha responds with outstanding output

Placed on the left of the attack, Raphinha became a central figure in Flick’s plans. Last season he produced 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances, a sharp increase after managing 20 goals across his first two seasons at the club combined. That form underlined his importance to Barcelona’s forward line.

Personal doubts, public pressure and a clear conscience

Raphinha admitted he felt a lack of respect during a difficult summer, including backlash from some fans who wanted him to leave. He insisted he has always been committed and hardworking, emphasizing he is not a traditional striker and that expectations for 30-plus goals per season did not match his role.

Injury concern and availability update ahead of key fixtures

After scoring three goals in seven appearances this term, Raphinha has missed Barcelona’s last three games with a thigh injury. He is unlikely to be fit for Saturday’s visit but is expected to be available for the Clásico on Oct. 26, a return that would boost Barcelona’s attacking options.

Implications for Barcelona and betting markets

Raphinha’s potential absence this weekend suggests bettors should be cautious about markets tied to him scoring or starting. If he is confirmed fit for the Clásico, markets that factor his creativity and goal threat — such as both teams to score, Barcelona to score over 1.5 goals, or player-involved bets — could shift in Barcelona’s favour.

Raphinha has told ESPN he considered leaving Barcelona for life changing money in Saudi Arabia before Hansi Flick took over in 2024.

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