Barcelona are expected to formally confirm Raphinha’s contract renewal on Thursday, ending weeks of delays caused by difficulties in coordinating the schedules of the club and the Brazil forward.
The agreement will keep the 29-year-old at Barcelona until 2030, unless there is a last-minute change. According to Catalan newspaper Sport, the official renewal ceremony is now scheduled for Thursday.
The terms of the extension have already been settled. 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 full understanding between both parties, leaving only the formal procedures to be completed.
Deco later confirmed during a meeting with the club’s representatives that the renewal process itself had been concluded. The ceremony was postponed solely because of conflicting diaries, rather than any disagreement between Barcelona and the player.
Thursday appears to offer a suitable opportunity. Barcelona played Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening and are due to hold a recovery session on Wednesday.
Head coach Hansi Flick is highly likely to give his players Thursday off, although the final decision remains with the German. A day without sporting commitments would allow the club to stage the formal event.
The squad will then turn its attention to Sunday’s meeting with Atletico Madrid. Preparations are expected to resume on Friday, followed by a final training session on Saturday before the team travels to the Spanish capital.
Raphinha’s new deal comes during one of the strongest periods of his career. He reinforced that impression against Aston Villa on Tuesday by scoring twice in the UEFA Champions League.
His contribution went beyond the goals. Raphinha pressed relentlessly throughout the match and was among Barcelona’s busiest players without the ball, repeatedly disrupting Aston Villa’s attempts to build from defence. His all-round display underlined his fitness and his ability to influence major matches.
The Brazil international is also regarded as one of Barcelona’s leaders and an important presence in the dressing room. Younger players in particular value his professionalism and commitment during every training session.
Flick is also a strong admirer of Raphinha’s qualities. The manager appreciates the player’s daily application and his willingness to work for the team, including in areas well away from the opposition penalty box. His performance against Aston Villa provided another example of the value he offers the coach.
Barcelona’s sporting department considers retaining a player with Raphinha’s level and experience a major asset. The forward, for his part, has remained fully committed to the club’s project and has never hidden his desire to continue at Barcelona.
