Al Hilal have effectively ended their pursuit of Barcelona winger Raphinha after moving decisively to sign Dutch wide player Crysencio Summerville in a deal worth around €80m, according to reports in Spain.
The Saudi Pro League champions had made the Brazilian one of their primary transfer targets for this summer, but have now switched focus to Summerville, who is reportedly close to joining from West Ham United.
If completed at the reported fee, the transfer would make Summerville the second most expensive player in the history of the Saudi league.
Raphinha off the table after Summerville move
Catalan newspaper Sport reports that Al Hilal’s agreement for Summerville has “ended the idea” of signing Raphinha from Barcelona in the current transfer window.
Al Hilal are understood to have entered the summer market with Raphinha at the top of their wishlist. The club were ready to commit a substantial package, both in terms of a transfer fee to Barcelona and a lucrative salary for the player.
However, the report states that the Brazilian’s firm stance on remaining at the Camp Nou under new coach Hansi Flick forced the Saudi club to reassess their plans and redirect their resources towards an alternative target.
Summerville, who has impressed in recent seasons in England, is now expected to fill that role on the wing for the Riyadh side.
Barcelona handed clarity on Raphinha future
Raphinha’s refusal to leave has provided Barcelona with rare clarity in a complex summer, as the club continue to juggle sporting needs with financial constraints.
Sport says that with Al Hilal now out of the picture and Summerville set for Saudi Arabia instead, Raphinha is certain to stay with Barcelona for at least the coming season.
That effectively closes what the Catalan outlet describes as one of the “most complicated dossiers” facing the club in recent months, amid constant speculation over potential high-value departures.
The 27-year-old joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 and has delivered consistently strong performances over the last two campaigns, establishing himself as a key figure in attack.
From Ballon d’Or contender to settled starter
Raphinha’s impact at Barcelona has been such that, according to the same report, he was regarded as one of the leading contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
That individual accolade ultimately went to France international Ousmane Dembele, the former Barcelona winger who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite missing out on the award, Raphinha’s stock remains high within the club, and his decision to stay and work under Flick is seen as a major boost to Barca’s plans for next season.
His continuity gives Barcelona greater stability in the wide areas, while Al Hilal, having abandoned their push for the Brazilian, are now banking on Summerville to bring similar star power to the Saudi Pro League.
