FC Barcelona will have to make sales this summer, a fact accepted by all of Catalonia, but the big question is who it will be able to keep and who it will have to separate from to clean up its accounts.
When it comes to sacrifices, Raphinha is probably one of the pieces the Catalan leaders are most willing to part with. The Brazilian winger has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Leeds United for €58 million two years ago.
Ousmane Dembele was always first choice when fit last season, and this year Raphinha has been kept out of his favored position on the right side by Lamine Yamal in recent weeks.
A way out for Raphinha
Lately it was reported that Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes was searching in vain for an exit for Raphinha, but Sport claim that Saudi Arabia would offer €60 million for the 27-year-old. The four Saudi giants – Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad – are all interested in having him next season.
Raphinha currently earns €5.5 million per year, and the Blaugrana will still have at least €36 million to write off, meaning a sale of Raphinha would represent a considerable saving.
FC Barcelona theoretically set its price at 80 million euros, but it is difficult to see it refusing to repeat a recruitment which was not a complete success, while its financial situation is desperate.
