Raphinha remains untouchable at FC Barcelona, not for sale despite massive Saudi offers

FC Barcelona has designated Raphinha as untouchable, rejecting transfer proposals from Saudi Pro League clubs despite reported offers hovering around €100 million in transfer fees. The salary package on the table was even more eye-popping: a deal that would have roughly quadrupled his current earnings of approximately €16.7 million per season. Barcelona said no.

The injury wrinkle and the Saudi push

Raphinha recently sustained a right-thigh muscle injury during Brazil’s 2026 World Cup match against Haiti, an injury expected to sideline him for about two weeks.

Both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr have reportedly shown interest in the winger. Barcelona has publicly stated, as of June 2026, that Raphinha is not for sale, having previously rejected approaches from the same league.

Raphinha hasn’t requested a transfer. The fact that Raphinha appears content in Catalonia removes the single biggest lever Saudi clubs typically pull.

Why Barcelona is holding firm

Barcelona views Raphinha as vital for their future projects, making a deliberate strategic choice of squad stability over short-term cash infusion.

The crypto connection and what it means for investors

Raphinha’s value to Barcelona extends beyond what he does on the pitch. He starred in Bitget’s 2025 La Liga campaign, promoting features like copy trading to a global football audience.

FC Barcelona has a five-year sponsorship deal with crypto exchange WhiteBIT running through 2030. These partnerships represent a growing revenue stream for the club, and having recognizable players actively participating in promotional campaigns amplifies their commercial value.

Barcelona’s refusal to sell Raphinha should be read through this lens as well. Losing a player who is deeply embedded in the club’s commercial ecosystem, particularly its crypto partnerships, would disrupt revenue streams that go well beyond matchday performance. The €100 million offer from Saudi clubs might cover the transfer fee, but it wouldn’t replace the ongoing commercial value Raphinha generates as the face of multiple partnership campaigns.

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