Seleção star denies any ‘pact’ to leave club after World Cup

The Brazilian national team striker has strongly denied rumors spread by the Spanish press that he had a verbal agreement with Barcelona to leave the club for Saudi football after the 2026 World Cup. The information, relayed by the Catalan media, was quickly denied by the player, who used his social networks to refute any previous negotiations regarding his future.

According to reports, during negotiations over his contract renewal, it was agreed internally to allow the striker to be released if he received a big offer from Saudi Arabia at the end of next season. The impact of the news led Raphinha to speak out publicly. The player said: “I have no idea where they’re getting so much nonsense from, really. It’s another one of those fake news stories, as always.” The direct demonstration immediately interrupted the narrative that there would be a “silent” pact for his transfer after the World Cup.

The Brazilian has previously said in previous interviews that he received an offer from Saudi football in 2024 and considered the move, but ultimately chose to stay at Barcelona. Since then, the player and sources close to Barça have stressed that there is no special clause or informal agreement that would impose his stay or departure in the future.

Despite the Arab market’s continued interest in elite players, there is no official record of negotiations involving the player nor any confirmation from Barcelona regarding conversations regarding the matter. Internally, the club considers Raphinha an important element of the sporting project and does not foresee the possibility of releasing him via an agreement already defined.