da heads bet: Barcelona winger Raphinha is set to be pursued heavily by a 'powerful' team in Saudi Arabia following his strong form this season.
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Raphinha shines for BarcelonaSaudi Arabia transfer interestClub set to go 'all out' to sign himWHAT HAPPENED?
According to , one of the most powerful teams in the Saudi Pro League is willing to go 'all out' to secure the signing of the Brazilian this summer. Raphinha has previously rejected an offer from the Middle East, and more recently the Premier League, and is understood to be happy in La Liga with Barcelona.
AdvertisementAlex Caparros/Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite only starting 17 games in the top flight of Spanish football this season, Raphinha netted six goals and recorded nine assists – which is more goal involvements than he managed across 25 starts in the last campaign.
The former Leeds man is now attracting interest from across the world and could be the subject of offers in the region of £85 million ($108m) this summer. Which is a notable increase on the £55m ($70m) Barcelona paid for the player.
WHAT RAPHINHA SAID
When questioned about the links to Saudi Arabia and a possible exit from Barcelona this summer, Raphinha bluntly replied: "I have a contract," while talking to .
DID YOU KNOW?
While Barcelona would make a sizeable profit from a potential sale, Raphinha would also benefit financially. The offer from the Middle East would also reportedly include a wage increase for the player, which is double what he currently earns in Spain.