Barcelona have given the Brazilian forward a contract extension until 2030 after his remarkable evolution into one of the club’s most influential forwards, and his excellent form since the summer. The Spanish champions sealed the deal on Thursday, agreeing to renew the 29-year-old’s existing deal, which was set to expire in 2028, for two years.
Raphinha’s incredible output has established him as a key player in Hansi Flick’s attack. The Brazil international has been in 13 games this season with 19 goals, with two of them coming Tuesday in Barcelona’s 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Aston Villa.
His recent run of form is a huge change since his debut for the Catalan giants from Leeds United in 2022. Raphinha, who was originally signed as a right winger, had problems finding a place before cementing his place on the left wing under Flick. He made 34 goals in 57 career games for the Red Wings last season, before scoring 21 goals in 33 games this season.
But Flick’s latest move has taken his output to a new level. After Barcelona’s summer transfer window bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez was rejected, the German manager opted to play Raphinha in the central forward role.
However, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres out of the squad, Flick spoke to the Brazilian about his position change before the season started. Raphinha is rumoured to be up for it in the middle.
It has proven to be a great choice, as forward has scored in seven of Barcelona’s first eight matches. He also doubled at Racing Santander and Sevilla and had a hat-trick against Sevilla before injuring himself while on international duty. Raphinha then scored against Real Madrid when he returned, and he went on to brace twice against Alaves and Aston Villa.
