Barcelona transfer news: Al-Hilal ‘eyeing’ audacious swoop for in-form attacker amid contract uncertainty

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona star Raphinha.

The Brazilian has emerged as a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following his impressive performances for Hansi Flick‘s side this season.

Raphinha has racked up 30 goals and 23 assists in 40 competitive appearances to establish himself as an integral part of the Barcelona squad.

The 28-year-old is the Champions League second-highest scorer this season with 12 European goals to his name, while his tally of seven assists is one more than anyone else in the competition, demonstrating the high standards he has been operating at in the 2024-25 campaign.

Raphinha will be fully focused on Barcelona’s attempts to add the league title, Champions League and Copa del Rey to the Spanish Super Cup they have already won this season.

Al-Hilal eye Raphinha swoop

However, there appears to be a possibility that he could be offered the chance to join the Saudi Pro League in the not-too-distant future.

According to Sport, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are keen to sign Raphinha to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season.

The report claims that Al-Hilal remain interested in the Brazil international despite failing in their attempts to sign him in the past.

Raphinha is unlikely to leave Barcelona this summer, but Al-Hilal are ready to make an offer if he opens the door to a possible departure.

Raphinha’s uncertainty contract situation

The 28-year-old is under contract until the summer of 2027 after signing a five-year deal upon his arrival from Leeds United in 2022.

Barcelona are believed to be keen to agree a new deal to secure Raphinha’s long-term future at the club, but there have been a couple of stumbling blocks in negotiations.

The two parties are yet to agree on the salary and the length of the contract, which means there are no immediate signs that a result deal will be agreed in the near future.

While Barcelona will hope to reach a compromise, Al-Hilal will surely keep a close eye on the situation to see if an opportunity arises for a potential transfer.