FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano de Madrid - LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Raphinha of Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Xavi Espart during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Gill Clark Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club are close to announcing a contract extension for skipper Raphinha.
The Brazilian has admitted this week he’d be happy to extend his deal with the Catalans and would like to finish his career at Camp Nou.
Deco says that a contract improvement for Raphinha is underway and will keep the captain at the club for another four years.
“Raphinha ‘s renewal until 2030 is well on its way, and those of Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart are too,” he told RAC1.
“We will not change our work strategy or our sporting objective, which is to win every title. Furthermore, we want to continue relying on the young players from La Masia.”
Espart and Bernal look set to follow Raphinha in becoming key players at Barcelona.
The young defender has forced his way into the starting XI in the early weeks of the season, while Bernal has featured in every game since the start of the new campaign.