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Barcelona in 'contract negotiations' to secure long-term future of key attacker

Talks underway: Barcelona in 'contract negotiations' with key attacker
© Imago
Barcelona are reportedly in contract negotiations to secure the long-term future of one of Hansi Flick's key attackers.

Barcelona have reportedly started negotiations with Raphinha over a new contract.

The Blaugrana have made an effort to tie down several players to new contracts since the turn of the year, including Gerard Martin, Ronald Araujo, Pedri and Gavi.

Defender Pau Cubarsi also signed a new deal last month, committing his future to the club until the summer of 2029.

They are also believed to be close to announcing a one-year extension for Inigo Martinez, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Barcelona are not willing to finish their wave of contract renewals with Martinez's new contract, with the Blaugrana keen to prioritise new deals for three key members of their first-team squad.

Barcelona's Raphinha in action against Brest on January 29, 2025© Iconsport

Barcelona in Raphinha contract talks

According to Mundo Deportivo, Brazilian attacker Raphinha is among those who could extend his stay with the Blaugrana.

Raphinha still has two years left to run on his current deal, but Barcelona want to tie him down to a new long-term deal.

The report claims that Raphinha already has a contract proposal on the table, although negotiations are believed to be at an early stage.

Talks are allegedly positive between the two parties, with Raphinha and Barcelona both keen to extend their association beyond the end of his current deal in 2027.

In addition to Raphinha, the Blaugrana are also looking to agree new contracts with Lamine Yamal and Jules Kounde.

Yamal, who is out of contract in 2026, has already confirmed his intent to sign a new deal with the Catalan giants.

Barcelona's Raphinha in action against Brest on January 29, 2025© Iconsport

Raphinha's importance to Barcelona

Raphinha was linked with a move away last summer amid speculation that Barcelona were looking to recruit Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

However, a move for Williams ultimately failed to materialise and Raphinha stayed put to start his third season as a Barcelona player.

The Brazil international has gone on to establish himself as a key part of the Barcelona side with his impressive performances this season.

Raphinha has racked up 24 goals and 18 assists in 39 competitive matches, including 13 goals and nine assists in 26 La Liga matches.

Rather than consider a sale, Barcelona are now determined to keep one of their most important members of Hansi Flick's side.

Raphinha will next be in action in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Benfica - a team that he scored a brace against in a 5-4 victory in a league phase encounter in January.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13Osasuna2671273237-533
14GironaGirona2695123439-532
15Espanyol2576122436-1227
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


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