For 80 million euros.. Barcelona settles its position on selling Raphinha to Al-Hilal

SadaNews - Brazilian Raphinha is preparing to start a new phase with Barcelona, having closed the chapter on the disappointment of the 2026 World Cup and the muscle injuries that affected his season, at a time when German coach Hansi Flick is counting on restoring his winger to his best version before the new season begins.

Raphinha is set to join Barcelona's training camp in England on July 29, which will last until August 3, featuring two friendly matches against Birmingham City and Preston North End, with the possibility of joining the team earlier if the coaching staff decides to call him before the official gathering date.

Recovery after World Cup disappointment

Raphinha has been absent from the pitch since Brazil's exit from the Round of 16 of the World Cup against Norway on July 5, a period he used to recover from his muscle injury and regain his physical readiness, in addition to staying away from the pressures that accompanied his participation in the World Cup.

The player entered the tournament as one of Brazil's key attacking weapons, but he suffered an injury to the hamstring of his right thigh during the group stage match against Haiti, which limited his participation in the remaining matches, despite later receiving medical clearance, as he remained on the bench against Norway.

A special plan from Flick

Barcelona plans to subject the player to a special physical program aimed at restoring his physical strength and minimizing the recurring muscle injuries that plagued him over the past year, after he missed several occasions due to an injury to the same hamstring, most notably during the international break in March, when he was sidelined for five weeks.

The coaching staff sees that restoring Raphinha's readiness is a priority, especially since he was one of the main pillars of the team in Flick's first season, contributing to the winning of five titles, and he recorded his best numbers in terms of goals and assists, which at that time put him among the candidates for the Ballon d'Or.

No intention to leave

Despite reports linking him with an offer from Saudi Al-Hilal valued at 80 million euros (approximately 86.4 million dollars), sources close to the player have confirmed that he has not considered leaving Barcelona, noting that the offer has not reached a formal stage.

Club president Joan Laporta had previously confirmed Barcelona's commitment to retaining the Brazilian international's services, stating: "We have no intention of giving up Raphinha."

Flick hopes that the Brazilian winger will regain his usual form to form an additional attacking force with newcomers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi in Barcelona's project for the 2026-2027 season.

Source: Spanish press