Barcelona open contract talks with Rafinha
Sporting director Deco met Rafinha in Castelldefels; Barcelona and the player are receptive to a new deal that could run to 2030.
Barcelona have opened talks over a new contract with Rafinha after the Brazilian midfielder burst into form under Hansi Flick.
Positive first meeting in Castelldefels
The midfielder who arrived at Camp Nou from Leeds in 2022 has become one of Barcelona's most important players this season. He struggled in his first year, prompting debate about the value of his transfer, but his role changed markedly after Flick took charge.
Rafinha has enjoyed an outstanding start to the new campaign: six goals and three assists in five league matches. That run prompted the club to begin concrete talks about his future.
Sporting director Deco met Rafinha for a lunch meeting in Castelldefels to discuss his situation. Rafinha currently negotiates his own terms and does not have an agent, so he was directly involved in the conversation. His existing contract runs until the summer of 2028.
The initial conversation was described as positive: Barcelona want to keep him and Rafinha wants to remain at the club. The club is reportedly weighing an extension that would run through 2030, but financial details have not been disclosed.
With Robert Lewandowski's departure and other changes in the forward line, the Brazilian assumed greater responsibility. Under Flick, he has once again shown he can be a difference-maker for the team.
Photo: press material from the event
