Al-Hilal Coach Inzaghi Denies Raphinha Pursuit as Saudi Clubs Eye €90M Summer Bid

Key facts

• Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi's agent Federico Pastorello denied any request for Barcelona winger Raphinha.
• Pastorello stated Inzaghi has postponed all transfer matters until the end of the current season.
• Al-Hilal sit second in the Saudi Pro League, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr with a game in hand.
• Saudi clubs are reportedly willing to offer nearly €90 million for Raphinha.
• Raphinha, 29, has a contract with Barcelona until 2028 and wants to stay at the club.
• Barcelona is open to a sale only if Raphinha requests a transfer, which he has not.
• Raphinha's wife has laughed off recent transfer speculation.

Inzaghi's Agent Shuts Down Transfer Rumors

Federico Pastorello, the agent of Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi, has firmly denied reports that his client has requested the signing of Barcelona winger Raphinha. Speaking to 365 Scores, Pastorello stated, “Inzaghi has not requested the signing of Raphinha, as has been rumored in recent hours.” He emphasized that all claims of negotiations or official offers are unfounded, amid growing frustration in Saudi Arabia over repeated transfer links used to generate market speculation. Pastorello further clarified that Inzaghi has decided to postpone all matters related to new signings or potential departures until the end of the current season. “Inzaghi does not want the transfer market to distract a team focused on the final stretch of the campaign,” he added. Al-Hilal currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr but with a game in hand, with only four matches remaining.

Saudi Clubs Prepare €90 Million Offer

Despite Inzaghi's denial, Saudi clubs remain keen on acquiring Raphinha, with reports indicating they are willing to put nearly €90 million on the table to secure his services. The Brazilian winger, who turns 30 this year, has become a prime target for the Saudi league as it continues to attract top talent with lucrative financial offers. Barcelona's sporting department is aware of the interest and, given the club's economic constraints, would not view such a substantial fee unfavorably. However, the operation does not depend solely on Barcelona. Raphinha's stance is clear: he wants to stay at Camp Nou. Sources close to the player confirm that he feels important within the project and believes he still has much to offer at the European elite. His wife has also laughed off recent transfer talk, reinforcing his commitment to the club.

Raphinha's Firm Stance: Staying at Barcelona

Raphinha has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona this summer. After a challenging adaptation period in his first months, he has established himself as a key piece under coach Hansi Flick, contributing goals and assists that have earned the coaching staff's trust. The Brazilian believes his time at Camp Nou is far from over and wants to compete at the highest level in Europe, fighting for titles and establishing himself as a team leader. At 29, Raphinha is aware that this could be his final opportunity to secure a major contract abroad, but he remains happy in Barcelona with his family. He is reflecting on his long-term future but has not wavered in his desire to stay. Barcelona's sporting department is confident that he will ultimately reaffirm his commitment and could even extend his stay beyond his current contract, which runs until 2028.

Barcelona's Position: Open but Not Pressuring

FC Barcelona is open to any operation that could improve its financial situation, but the club is not willing to force the departure of an important player. The possible sale of Raphinha would only be considered if the footballer himself requested to leave, something that, as of now, is not on the table. Barcelona's management is aware that parting with a profile like Raphinha's would require going to the market for a reliable replacement, entailing additional investment. Thus, Raphinha's continuity also responds to sporting logic. The club values his contributions and sees him as an integral part of Flick's squad. With no concrete offers on the table, his immediate future remains tied to Barcelona, despite the ongoing speculation from Saudi Arabia.

What Comes Next: Saudi Persistence vs. Player Resolve

From Saudi Arabia, the plan is to keep insisting in the coming weeks, attempting to convince both the player and his camp with an irresistible offer. It would not be the first time they have tried, and it likely won't be the last. However, Raphinha's response remains firm: his priority is to stay at Barcelona and continue competing at the highest level. While Inzaghi's denial effectively shuts down the latest rumors, it does not entirely rule out future interest. Saudi clubs are still expected to explore high-profile signings once the season concludes, but no concrete proposal for Raphinha exists at this stage. For now, the Brazilian winger continues to be an important part of Barcelona's squad, focused on the final stretch of the campaign.

The bottom line

• Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has not requested the signing of Barcelona's Raphinha, according to his agent.
• Saudi clubs are reportedly willing to spend €90 million on Raphinha this summer.
• Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona and has not requested a transfer.
• Barcelona is open to selling only if Raphinha initiates the move, which he has not.
• Inzaghi has postponed all transfer discussions until after the season, as Al-Hilal chase Al-Nassr in the league.
• Raphinha's wife has dismissed recent transfer speculation.