Ronaldo eyes linkup with ANOTHER Barcelona star in Saudi Pro League

27 Aug 2023 17:00 BST
3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Cristiano Ronaldo could be preparing to bring another Barcelona star to Al-Nassr after Raphinha was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League side.

Raphinha has endured a difficult time since making a €55 million move from Leeds to Barca last summer, losing his place in the starting line-up at various points under Xavi last season.

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The 26-year-old started the new season in unconvincing manner too, getting sent off just 42 minutes into Barca’s first game in La Liga, leaving his future in the team in doubt.

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Al-Nassr have already signed Franck Kessie from Barca this summer and Gianluigi Longari of SportItalia claims Raphinha could be targeted next by the Saudi giants, with Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann also said to be on the club’s list.

Raphinha has insisted has no desire to leave Barca, having described the Catalans as his dream club prior to joining, although the riches of the Middle East have often proved too difficult to refuse.

Barca would be open to a sale in order to ease their off-the-pitch concerns, with the club still struggling to register players and meet La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

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Raphinha saw his minutes shared last season with the likes of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and Gavi, while 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal has broken into the first team this season to add to the competition.

The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked to Raphinha but, despite Barca being willing towards a sale, their asking price of more than €60m has proven a stumbling block.

Barca could see a forward leave the club before the end of the transfer window, with Fati also considered a prime candidate, having featured in just 33 minutes in Barca’s opening two games.

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The club are still looking to register injured new signing Inigo Martinez to their squad, with financial issues having prevented them from adding Marcos Alonso until this weekend due to an injury to Alejandro Balde.