Raphinha ‘SURPRISED’ by Saudi Pro League offer as Barcelona ace makes SHOCK transfer confession

Barcelona ace Raphinha has admitted that he was “surprised” by the size of the contract offer he was presented with by the Saudi Pro League and has admitted that he is open to a move.

Raphinha has charged into Ballon d’Or contention this season with the numbers he has produced with the Blaugrana, who are well placed to win a Copa del Rey, LaLiga and Champions League treble.

The Brazil international has been one of the driving forces, producing 30 goals and 24 assists across all competitions.

Having been unsettled a year ago, when Barcelona were chasing a deal for Athletic Club star Nico Williams, he now appears to be a mainstay of Hansi Flick’s plans. But persistent rumours of a switch to the Saudi Pro League remain, with reports claiming he could be offered a four-year deal worth a total of €200 million.

Raphinha breaks silence on Saudi transfer

Raphinha has now addressed these claims and admits that the money on the table could be life changing for him. However, he says that he is settled at Barca for now.

“Yesterday I saw the offer from Saudi and was surprised because the numbers were really high,” he told TNT Sports.

“Honestly, if they had made me this offer last year, I think I would have gone. At the time, I was a little devastated, and this offer would have changed my life completely, as well as that of my wife and family. It was an amount that could have changed our lives completely.

“And whoever says they wouldn’t go is lying, because it’s impossible to see figures like that and not think it could change your life.”

Raphinha may have shut the door to the Saudi Pro League this summer, but he has certainly not locked it with regards a future move.

Cristiano Ronaldo is paid €200 million per year to play for Al-Nassr, while there are claims that Al-Hilal are ready to offer Vinicius Junior similar money to move from Real Madrid.

Raphinha, though, is committed to Barcelona for the moment and will continue to be a vital player as the successful Hansi Flick bandwagon rolls on.

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