Barcelona winger Raphinha has firmly shut down fresh speculation surrounding an alleged agreement that would see him leave the Catalan club for a move to Saudi Arabia after the 2026 World Cup. The Brazilian dismissed the reports in emphatic fashion, calling them “fake news” and insisting he has made no such commitment.
The rumours gained traction earlier this week after multiple Spanish outlets claimed the 28-year-old had a verbal pact with sporting director Deco, reportedly allowing him to depart for the Saudi Pro League once the next World Cup concluded. Within hours, the story spread widely across social media, prompting Raphinha to address the matter directly.
In a sharp public response, the winger rejected the claims outright. “I don’t know where they get so much nonsense, really,” he posted, rubbishing the suggestion that he had already planned a future exit. According to reports, he privately described the saga as “fake news” and reiterated that he remains fully committed to Barcelona and its long-term project.
Raphinha, who renewed his contract last year in a deal running through 2028, said he has never agreed to any formal or informal arrangement that would open the door to a Saudi switch. He further stated that his ambition continues to be anchored at Camp Nou. “I’ve told my family before that my dream is to be here until the end of my career,” he said, pushing back against the notion that he is eyeing a lucrative move abroad.
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Persistent Rumours About Raphinha’s Exit
The latest episode comes at a time when Barcelona have repeatedly stressed their intention to retain Raphinha as part of Hansi Flick’s core squad. The winger has played a crucial role since returning from injury, delivering improved performances and earning praise from the coaching staff for his consistency and attitude.
Yet, whispers linking him to Saudi Arabia have refused to fade. Reports earlier this year revealed that clubs in the Middle East had tabled substantial offers for the Brazilian during past transfer windows, with salary proposals that could financially transform the player’s life. Raphinha himself previously acknowledged that the money on offer was “life-changing,” though he ultimately chose to stay.
This time, however, the player made it clear that the rumours were not only false but also damaging. Club sources have confirmed there is no such clause or agreement in his contract, and Raphinha is believed to have turned down multiple approaches from agents attempting to position him for a move.
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Even so, some outlets continue to claim that a “conditional understanding” was discussed during negotiations last year — a claim the player’s camp has dismissed. For now, all indications point towards stability: Raphinha remains a key part of Flick’s plans, and Barcelona see him as an integral piece of their medium-term rebuild.
Publicly, the winger is eager to reinforce that message. His quick and unequivocal denial was aimed at restoring clarity at a time when speculation is fuelling unnecessary noise around the club. As the season enters a crucial phase, both Barcelona and Raphinha appear aligned in their stance — the Brazilian is not going anywhere, and talk of a Saudi exit remains firmly in the realm of fiction.
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