It's Not Vinicius Jr.: The LaLiga Star Al-Hilal Wants to Sign

After failing to convince Vinicius Jr., Al Hilal has redirected its ambition toward another Brazilian star shining in Europe: Raphinha. The FC Barcelona winger, currently enjoying the best form of his career since arriving at Camp Nou, is now the top target for the Saudi club, which is preparing a monumental offer with the intention of making him the new idol of its galactic project.

Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, has experienced a remarkable rise this season. With over 30 goals and 20 assists in 51 matches, the Brazilian has set new records and solidified his position as a key figure for the Catalan side, both on the pitch and in the locker room, where he has earned the captain’s armband on occasion.

Faced with this performance, Al Hilal is ready to table an offer that will be hard for Barcelona to match. The Saudi club is reportedly willing to pay 100 million euros for his transfer and offer the player a four-year contract worth 200 million, or 50 million per season-quadrupling his current salary in Spain.

This proposal puts Barcelona in a dilemma. On one hand, the club’s financial situation could push them to accept the deal, especially given ongoing economic restrictions. On the other, the Blaugrana management recognizes Raphinha’s importance to the team and has already started talks to improve his contract and secure his continuity.

However, the financial gap is enormous. While Barcelona is offering improved terms, it will be almost impossible to match the Saudi offer, which would make Raphinha one of the world’s highest-paid players and the new face of a project aiming to compete at a global level.

Ultimately, the decision will rest with the player. Raphinha has made it clear that his preference is to stay at Barcelona, where he feels valued and believes he can continue to grow as a footballer. Still, the financial appeal and the chance to be the main star at an ambitious club like Al Hilal could be decisive in the coming months.

The Battle for Raphinha: Money, Prestige, and the Future

Raphinha’s situation sums up the new reality of world football, where traditional European clubs must compete with the financial power of Middle Eastern teams. Barcelona, aware of his value, will fight to keep him, but the temptation from Saudi Arabia is too big to ignore. The outcome will shape the future of both clubs-and above all, the career of a player who has proven to be essential wherever he plays.