Raphinha has strongly rejected claims published by Spanish media that he reached a verbal agreement with the club to facilitate a move to Saudi Arabia after the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement released on Sunday, the 28-year-old Brazilian described the reports as “complete nonsense” and “fake news.” The original story, first circulated by Mundo Deportivo, alleged that Raphinha had privately assured sporting director Deco he would not block a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League once the tournament concludes.Raphinha, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 for €58 million, is under contract until June 2028. He has been one of the club’s standout performers this season, leading La Liga in chances created (110) since the start of the 2024/25 campaign and contributing regularly in goals and assists.

Sources close to the player insist he remains fully committed to Barcelona and has no intention of engineering an exit. The denial comes amid continued Saudi interest in high-profile European-based talents, with several Premier League and La Liga stars already moving to the Middle East in recent years.

Barcelona have yet to comment officially, but the episode highlights the ongoing speculation surrounding the financial pull of the Saudi market versus long-term projects at Europe’s elite clubs.