Romano: Raphinha offered TRIPLE his Barcelona wage amid Man Utd links

Tom Weber

Updated: 25 Oct 2024 08:18 BST
3 min read

A Saudi club offered to triple Raphinha's wage in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Article continues under the video

The Brazilian has been in absolutely stunning form for Barcelona under Hansi Flick. In fact, there is an argument to be made that Raphinha has been the Blaugrana's best player this season.

Following his dazzling Champions League hattrick against Bayern Munich, the 27-year-old's record for the season stands at a brilliant nine goals and eight assists in 13 games across all competitions.

Head coach Flick waxed lyrical about him after the game: “I have never had a player like him in my team. He always gives his all. With and without the ball, he’s very good, he always starts the pressing and also finishes our chances. He’s always smiling.”

Raphinha's impressive form has seemingly come out of nowhere, with the player constantly linked with a departure from Catalunya. Talk of the winger getting sacrificed to help Barcelona balance the books never ceases and, most recently, he has become the target of sensational links to Man Utd.

However, while a move to Old Trafford may seem unrealistic at present, Raphinha had a very real chance to leave Barcelona in the summer.

Raphinha received massive Saudi offer

At least that is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has provided a major update on the Saudi offer Raphinha received in the previous transfer window.

It has been known for some time that at least one unnamed Saudi club bid for the Brazil international, but Romano has now revealed that the side in question offered to triple the player's current wage.

"Raphinha received a proposal from Saudi with his salary to be three times higher compared to the salary he has at Barcelona, " the Italian said on his YouTube channel. "I told you about the proposal from Saudi, I told you Raphinha never wanted to leave Barcelona.

"He was always telling them: 'I want to stay at Barca, I'm only focused on Barca, I'm going to stay at Barca.' But important to add that the salary was per three and Raphinha decided to continue at Barcelona, committed and convinced that he could make an impact under Hansi Flick and, in the end, he was absolutely right."