Joan Laporta is taking advantage of the trip to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Spanish Super Cup. Having definitively returned to the 1:1 rule, FC Barcelona intends to make significant sales to secure a high-level transfer for next summer. The Barça team has caused a lot of interest in the country, to the point that there are two possible departures put forward.
Laporta Negotiates Two Sales in Saudi Arabia
Mundo Deportivo has discovered that one of the players generating the most interest is Raphinha. Last summer, he already rejected significant offers to leave Barça and this season he has 17 goals and 10 assists in 26 matches. He is under contract until 2027 and, although he is an important player, his sale is not ruled out if the offer is good. In Saudi Arabia, they are willing to pay a lot of money to acquire him.
The second in line, but no less important, is Frenkie de Jong. The case of the Dutchman is clear: Laporta doesn't want to keep him for next season. There is real interest in closing his sale as soon as possible to secure money from his departure before his contract ends in 2026. In Saudi Arabia, several teams want him, including Al-Ittihad, led by former Barcelona player Ramón Planes.
There's particular urgency in Barcelona to part ways with Frenkie de Jong. He isn't an important player despite wearing the captain's armband. He has the highest salary on the team, so the plan is clear: selling him next summer. The interest in Saudi Arabia is intensifying and Laporta plans to take advantage of it to offload "dead weight," with Hansi Flick's express approval.
Barça Plans the Team for Next Season: Laporta Has Big Plans for Hansi Flick
Even though Raphinha is important to the team and they don't want to sell him, a departure is not ruled out if the offer is good and he wants to leave. Barça estimates his departure at around 90 million euros, potentially making it one of the most significant sales in the history of the club. In the case of Frenkie de Jong, the plan is clear: getting rid of his salary and obtaining about 30–40 million along the way.
Laporta is clear and has Hansi Flick's approval: If Raphinha leaves, the chosen one will be Nico Williams. Meanwhile, if De Jong is eventually sold, they will opt for the youth academy, with the return of Marc Bernal from his injury.