Barcelona winger Raphinha admitted he seriously considered leaving the club before the start of last season, after being hurt by people wanting to see him replaced with Nico Williams and presented the opportunity to earn a massive salary in Saudi Arabia.
As it happened, Barça failed in their pursuit of Williams off the back of his international breakout at Euro 2024, lacking the financial muscle to make it happen. Raphinha had already been persuaded to say no to the Saudi Pro League upon Hansi Flick’s hiring, and 2024–25 turned into a career year.
