FC Barcelona: Al-Hilal pulls out of Raphinha pursuit

The Saudi club is no longer interested in Raphinha

Transfers 23 July 2026 at 11:54

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FC Barcelona: Al-Hilal pulls out of Raphinha pursuit

According to information reported in recent hours by Sport, Al-Hilal has decided to permanently abandon its pursuit of FC Barcelona winger Raphinha.

For several months, the Saudi club had made the Brazilian one of its top priorities for the summer. However, Al-Hilal has ultimately turned its attention to Crysencio Summerville, whose transfer from West Ham is now complete.

With Raphinha’s desire to continue his adventure at Barça, Al-Hilal opted to change targets. The Saudi club has reached an agreement with West Ham to sign Summerville for £55 million, with an additional £10 million possible in bonuses.

🚨⚠️ Summerville deal: Al Hilal agreed fee with West Ham but still waiting on player’s green light.

AS Roma are not giving up with new talks on player side; Gasperini also spoke to Summerville tonight.

All parties waiting for Crysencio’s decision.

🎥 https://t.co/FIjJaGW0Yo pic.twitter.com/KmERlm1alp
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2026

This strategic shift puts an end, at least for this summer, to speculation about the Brazilian international’s potential move to Saudi Arabia.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.