With the business end of the club football approaching football clubs and their scouting staff are ready for their off-field battle with them working on news deals and transfers. One of the biggest markets in the football world in recent times is the Saudi Pro League (SPL) which has gained a reputation for big-money players who have broken the bank for players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and several other top European honour winners.
Al-Hilal prepare Raphinha deal
Players from big teams have been linked with the SPL clubs in tandem and the latest name includes current Barcelona star Raphinha. Signed in 2022 after Leeds United managed to escape relegation in the Premier League, it is reported that Raphinha could be on his way out of the club as Al Hilal are readying a big offer for the Brazilian star. According to the latest report, Al Hilal are offering €100M (fixed + variables) to Barcelona for Raphinha.
The deal will also see the Brazilian triple his current wages and could link up with fellow countrymen Neymar. Al Hilal already have a star-studded line-up at their disposal consisting of former Wolves man Ruben Neves, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and ex-Newcastle forward Alexander Mitrovic. Raphinha’s addition will only make the team better as they are already challenging on four fronts
Al-Hilal are currently leading the SPL standings by 12 points and look set to clinch yet another title despite not having Neymar for the majority of the season. He is probably out until the start of the next season having been injured during the international break in October 2023. His absence has not stopped Al Hilal from dominating on all fronts.
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Al-Hilal’s dominance in SPL
Currently, on 68 points from 24 matches, Al Hilal are yet to lose a game in the SPL season and have dropped points in only two matches. As things stand, the leaders need 19 more points to win the SPL title while they will face Al-Nassr in the semifinal of the Saudi Super Cup.
They could have faced the arch-rivals in the semifinals of the Champions League, had Al-Nassr not been eliminated on penalties in the previous round by Al Ain. The King Cup of Champions will see Al-Hilal take on Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad.
Adding Raphinha to their tanks will only make Saudi Pro League and Al-Hilal a stronger team and could also help Barcelona generate funds for the summer. As things stand, to compete with the Financial Fair Play (FFP), the Spanish giants will have to sell first and then buy in the transfer window and it could help them balance the pay slip.
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