Barcelona set to formalise Raphinha contract extension until 2030

Barcelona are expected to officially confirm Raphinha’s contract extension on Thursday, ending weeks of delays caused by difficulties coordinating the schedules of those involved.

The Brazilian forward is set to remain with Barcelona until 2030, unless there is a last-minute change, according to what Catalan newspaper Sport has learned.

The agreement itself was settled some time ago. Barcelona sporting director Deco and Raphinha previously met at a restaurant, where they finalised the details of the player’s continued stay at the club. The meeting ended with a complete understanding between the two sides, leaving only the formalities to be completed.

Deco later confirmed during a meeting of the club’s representatives that the renewal process had already been concluded. The official ceremony was postponed solely because of conflicting diaries and was not the result of any disagreement between Barcelona and the player.

Thursday now appears to provide the most convenient opportunity. Barcelona played Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening and are scheduled to hold a recovery session on Wednesday.

Hansi Flick is highly likely to give his squad Thursday off, although the final decision rests with the German coach. A day without sporting commitments would make it easier for the club to stage the renewal ceremony.

The team will then turn its attention on Friday to preparations for Sunday’s important meeting with Atletico Madrid. Barcelona are due to complete their final training session on Saturday before travelling to the Spanish capital.

Raphinha’s new contract comes during one of the strongest periods of his career. The 29-year-old underlined his current form on Tuesday by scoring twice against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League.

His contribution went beyond those goals. Raphinha maintained an intense work rate throughout the match, pressing persistently and ranking among the most active players when Barcelona did not have possession. His efforts repeatedly disrupted Aston Villa’s attempts to build from the back and produced a complete performance.

The Brazilian is also regarded as one of the team’s leaders and an important presence in the dressing room, particularly for younger players who value his professionalism and commitment during every training session.

Flick is a strong admirer of Raphinha’s qualities. The coach appreciates the player’s daily application and willingness to carry out whatever the team requires, including working in areas well away from the opposition penalty area. His display against Aston Villa offered another example of the value he brings to the manager’s plans.

Barcelona’s sporting department considers retaining a player with Raphinha’s level of performance and experience a major asset. The forward, for his part, remains fully committed to the club’s project and has never hidden his desire to continue at Barcelona.