Is It Time for Barcelona to Cash In on Raphinha This Summer?

Barcelona are still anticipated to make notable moves in the remaining summer transfer window, but while attention is largely focused on potential signings, the club may also face tough decisions over departing players, including possibly selling Brazilian star Raphinha.

It seems almost inconceivable that Barcelona would contemplate selling a player who, less than a year ago, finished fifth in the Ballon d'Or standings—with many believing he deserved an even higher placement.

Nevertheless, much has changed since Raphinha delivered a standout campaign in 2024–25, when he was the driving force behind Hansi Flick's first season in Catalonia, contributing 59 goal involvements as Barcelona claimed their first-ever domestic treble.

While he remained a contributor, several factors prevented Raphinha from replicating those heights in 2025–26. Now, with Barcelona needing to raise funds to pursue their ambitious transfer targets, Raphinha has emerged as an extremely valuable asset the club may look to sell.

But, why?

Mounting Injury Concerns

There was a noticeable dip in his attacking output, but the primary reason Raphinha was unable to perform at his best for Barcelona in 2025–26 was injury. After going through the entire 2024–25 season unscathed, the Brazilian missed nearly 20 matches for Barça in 2025–26.

Hamstring troubles have become a recurring theme for the high-intensity winger. He was sidelined for two months between September and November 2025 with a hamstring tear, and then missed a further four matches early in 2026 due to a muscular overload in the same region.

Then came the most damaging blow for Barça. Raphinha suffered another hamstring injury while representing Brazil during the March international break, ruling him out for five weeks at a critical stage of the season. He watched helplessly as the Catalans once again fell short in the Champions League and was also absent during the final stretch in which Barça secured back-to-back La Liga titles.

Raphinha's Barcelona Stats Snapshot in 2024–25 and 2025–26

Raphinha returned to feature in two of the club's final four matches of the season before appearing in four games for Brazil, including La Seleção's opening two fixtures at the 2026 World Cup. However, in the 40th minute of Brazil's second group stage game against Haiti, Raphinha picked up yet another hamstring problem that now puts his participation in the remainder of the tournament in serious doubt.

Four separate hamstring injuries in under a year for a player approaching 30 who relies heavily on his pace and explosiveness is far from encouraging.

Raphinha's persistent fitness issues left Barcelona exposed at the worst possible moments, which is part of the reason the club has already moved to address the need for a reliable option on the left wing.

A Ready-Made Replacement Already Secured

Just days after Barcelona concluded their season, the club acted swiftly to bring in England international left winger Anthony Gordon.

Barcelona completed Gordon's move from Newcastle United for a fee of $93.2 million (€80 million, £69.3 million) plus potential add-ons. It ranks as the seventh-most expensive transfer in the club's history and the priciest of the current decade.

Gordon, who signed a five-year contract, is four years Raphinha's junior, operates in the same position and, much like the Brazilian, offers more than just attacking quality. He also contributes significantly without the ball, pressing aggressively and disrupting opponents during build-up play—a fundamental aspect of Flick's system that also factored into the club's decision not to retain fellow England international Marcus Rashford.

While there is a scenario in which Gordon and Raphinha can operate together, the Englishman is ideally suited to Raphinha's current role under Flick, particularly with the club still keen on signing a top-class centre forward.

As things stand, Gordon and Raphinha will be vying for the same starting berth, and given the substantial fee Barça invested alongside the lengthy contract, it is evident that the former Newcastle man is considered a cornerstone of the club's future plans.

The Likely Destination

Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Nassr are reportedly showing strong interest in bringing Raphinha to the Gulf region, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Although Al Hilal attempted to play down speculation surrounding a potential move for Raphinha toward the end of the season, SPORT reports that leading Saudi clubs could be preparing a serious approach for the Brazilian. Sources in Spain suggest an offer in the region of what Barça spent on Gordon could be submitted from Saudi Arabia for Raphinha.

Raphinha is contracted to Barcelona until the summer of 2028. Given his age, this may represent the final opportunity for the Catalans to command a substantial transfer fee for the Brazilian, who turns 30 next December. It could equally be Raphinha's last chance to secure a life-changing salary, following a path similar to that of Íñigo Martínez, who departed Barça for Al Nassr last summer.

A significant sale of Raphinha could also be the key move that enables Barcelona to pursue a world-class striker, most notably Julián Alvarez. Other players are expected to depart the club in the weeks and months ahead, but none would command a fee anywhere near as large as Raphinha's potential valuation.

From a purely financial standpoint, selling Raphinha could benefit Barcelona greatly. However, despite his injury record and advancing age, he remains a vital component of Flick's squad heading into 2026–27.

Why Raphinha Leaving Barcelona Remains Unlikely

Despite the transfer speculation, Raphinha has recently made a strong public commitment to his future at Barcelona. Additionally, it has been reported that the club considers the Brazilian "untouchable."

Raphinha continues to be one of the most impactful figures in Barcelona's squad, both on the field and in the dressing room.

Flick has repeatedly highlighted not only how decisive Barça's No. 11 is in the attacking third, but also how he serves as the catalyst for Barcelona's high-press. Raphinha has also established himself as one of the undisputed leaders in the squad, captaining the side on several occasions throughout 2025–26.

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While injuries did limit Raphinha in 2025–26, he remained productive whenever he took to the pitch. Only Lamine Yamal scored more goals (24) for Barcelona last season than Raphinha (21). If the Catalans can manage to keep Raphinha fit consistently—which remains a significant question—he could very well continue to be a major force in the Blaugrana attack.

Unless an irresistible offer materialises, or Raphinha himself requests a departure, it currently seems improbable that Barcelona will part ways with their Brazilian talisman—however appealing the prospect may look on paper.