Saudi Arabian outfit deny links with Barcelona attacker, claims club’s name is being used unnecessarily

By admin — In News — July 12, 2026

   ​Barcelona’s latest market movements have sparked widespread excitement among supporters, as the club appears ready to add Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi while Belgium’s Jesse Bisiwu is also expected to join in the near future. Yet these developments could be interpreted as a sign of potential uncertainty surrounding Raphinha’s future at Barca, given the Brazilian star’s strong links to a possible move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Reports have suggested that Al Hilal are keen on acquiring Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly preparing to discuss his position in the squad soon. However, in a surprising turn, Al Hilal have publicly distanced themselves from the chatter, insisting they have not entered talks with Raphinha and that the Brazilian is not among their priorities as they look to strengthen their squad for the ongoing campaign.
Raphinha’s future at Barcelona remains unclear. Through the Arabic outlet 365Scores (cited by Diario SPORT), the Saudi club asserted that they have not engaged in any talks with Raphinha and that the winger is not a primary target as they plot their summer plans. Al Hilal are said to be growing frustrated by the ongoing rumors, with the report suggesting the links may originate from the self-interest of parties involved, implying that Al Hilal’s name could be used as leverage to help Raphinha secure better terms at Barcelona. The Saudis were adamant that no contact—whether verbal or in person—has taken place with Raphinha’s representatives, and they do not anticipate any such approach materialising during the transfer window.
Interestingly, Al Hilal are already in dialogue with Barcelona over a separate matter, reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Joao Cancelo, a transaction that appears nearly completed. That ongoing line of communication makes the Raphinha rumors all the more puzzling, and it helps explain why Al Hilal are eager to draw a clear distinction between the two scenarios.
It’s worth noting that Raphinha remains a highly sought-after player, with interest extending beyond Saudi Arabia to the Premier League. If he chose to explore his options, a lucrative offer would likely materialise. However, all signs currently point to the winger not pursuing such a move in the near term. The strongest indication that Raphinha is not bound for the exit lies in his own position and his contract situation.
The Brazilian recently extended his Barcelona deal until 2028 and has repeatedly emphasised his commitment to remaining at the club to help spearhead Barcelona’s long-awaited pursuit of Champions League glory. While the squad’s dynamics may evolve with new arrivals and renewals, Barcelona view Raphinha’s tenure as settled for the foreseeable future. Despite the evolving transfer landscape, the winger’s stated loyalty and the official contract extension signal that his stay at Barcelona is a priority for now, even as fan interest and market chatter continue to swirl.
As for the club’s broader transfer activity, the recruitment of Adeyemi and the pending addition of Bisiwu point to Barcelona’s ambition to reinforce the squad with young, dynamic talent capable of elevating their offensive arsenal. Adeyemi, a winger with pace and directness, would add another attacking dimension on the flanks, while Bisiwu’s arrival would signal the club’s intent to invest in prospective talents who could grow into key contributors in the coming seasons. Such a strategic mix of established potential and rising stars suggests Barcelona are aiming to balance immediate impact with long-term development.
In summary, Barcelona’s market moves continue to generate optimism among supporters, with the club pursuing notable attacking reinforcements. At the same time, the Raphinha situation remains in a state of flux, though current evidence strongly indicates the player is committed to Barcelona for the foreseeable future, reinforced by his contract extension and his public statements of intent to help steer the club’s quest for Champions League success. The next steps will likely involve finalising deals for Adeyemi and Bisiwu, while Barcelona navigate any ongoing discussions regarding Raphinha and potential future transfer links that may arise during the summer window.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

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