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Raphinha Rejects €170M Saudi Deal; Flick’s Call Fuels Treble & Ballon d’Or Run

Shivansh Rana | 4 min read | 1 day ago | Oct 15, 2025 04:18 pm IST
Raphinha Rejects €170M Saudi Deal; Flick's Call Fuels Treble & Ballon d'Or Run

Can you believe it? Brazilian star Raphinha was genuinely moments away from signing a “mammoth” €170 million deal with a Saudi Arabian club in the summer of 2024. Think about that. A staggering amount, enough to change not just his life, but his entire family’s future, his parents and even his son’s. He was mentally struggling, after two tough seasons at Barcelona, and honestly considering leaving. But then, new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made one phone call that completely flipped the script.

Key Takeaways

  • Raphinha received a €100 million transfer offer for Barcelona and €170 million for himself from Saudi Arabia in 2024.
  • He was “really tempted” to leave, considering his and his family’s financial future.
  • New Barcelona coach Hansi Flick convinced him to stay with a crucial phone call and talks.
  • Raphinha then had a “phenomenal” 2024-25 season, scoring 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 appearances.
  • His contributions helped Barcelona win a historic treble.
  • He finished fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
  • Raphinha is currently recovering from injury, aiming for an El Clasico return on October 26, 2025.

The Mammoth Offer That Almost Changed Everything

Look, the numbers speak for themselves. The Saudi offer was absolutely insane: €100 million for Barcelona, and a mind-blowing €170 million over four years for Raphinha himself. You’d be tempted too, right? He admitted it would have been “life-altering.” After struggling to find his footing since his 2022 move from Leeds, those two underwhelming seasons had him feeling pretty uncomfortable. He was ready to pack his bags, for sure.

Flick’s Game-Changing Intervention

But honestly, sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you. And for Raphinha, that person was Hansi Flick. The newly appointed Barcelona coach didn’t just send a text. No, he made a crucial phone call in the summer of 2024, then followed up with direct talks during preseason. He convinced the Brazilian to stay put at Camp Nou. Not only that, Flick’s tactical genius saw Raphinha deployed on the left side of the attack, a move that truly unlocked his potential.

A Phenomenal Season Unfolds

And boy, did it pay off! Raphinha’s 2024-25 season? Just call it “sensational.” He racked up an unbelievable 34 goals and 26 assists across 57 appearances. Can you imagine that kind of impact? He wasn’t just playing well; he was instrumental. Barcelona went on to secure a historic treble, bagging LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Supercopa titles. Yeah, he was that important.

Expert Analysis: What This Means for Barça

Football experts everywhere are buzzing. “This is more than just a player finding form,” one analyst told Goal.com US. “It’s about the power of belief and a coach’s vision. Flick didn’t just keep a player; he transformed him, securing Barcelona’s attacking prowess for years to come.” Raphinha’s contract extension through 2028 just cements his future at the club, making him a cornerstone of their strategy.

Social Media Storm: Fans React

The internet, as always, went wild. #RaphinhaStays and #FlickEffect trended like crazy. Fans were ecstatic, celebrating not just the goals and assists, but the visible joy Raphinha displayed on the pitch. “Thank you, Flick!” one fan tweeted, “You saved our season and a future Ballon d’Or winner!” The relief was palpable, the excitement infectious.

Ballon d’Or Recognition and Future Hopes

His stellar performance didn’t go unnoticed globally either. In September 2025, Raphinha finished an incredible fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings. Think about that; among the absolute elite of world football! While Ousmane Dembélé ultimately won the award, Raphinha’s place cemented his status. Now, after a challenging start to the 2025-26 season with three goals and two assists in seven matches, he’s recovering from a thigh/hamstring injury. But here’s the kicker: he’s expected back for El Clasico on October 26. Can he replicate that magic? You’ll have to watch and see!