Barcelona plan to make in-form captain one of the highest-earners at club with new contract | OneFootball

Raphinha is experiencing the best season of his career at Barcelona. Last summer, when the club attempted to sign Nico Williams, the Brazilian’s position at the club was under threat.

But the Spanish international never arrived and remains at Athletic Club while Raphinha is now a Ballon d’Or contender wearing the Blaugrana shirt.

Few could have predicted Raphinha’s meteoric rise, but he has found the perfect stage to showcase his talents in Hansi Flick’s dynamic system.

The 28-year-old has already registered 25 goals and 18 assists, proving to be an integral part of Flick’s Barcelona. While key figures such as Pedri and Lamine Yamal have also been crucial this season, no one embodies this new era better than the Brazilian winger.

Barcelona working on a contract renewal

According to SPORT, Barcelona have already begun working on a contract renewal for Raphinha.

The Blaugrana sporting director Deco is assessing the financials to offer the 28-year-old captain a salary increase, elevating him from the mid-tier earners in the squad to one of the club’s highest-paid players.

Leading from the front. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Raphinha’s current contract runs until 2027, but the club intends to extend it by two more years. The report also states that Barcelona plans to convert performance-based bonuses into guaranteed earnings.

The Brazilian has drawn significant interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, with Al Hilal offering €100 million to Barcelona and a €15 million net salary to the player last summer.

Despite these approaches, Raphinha remains committed to continuing his journey at the club.

Raphinha at his peak

At 28 years old, Raphinha is in the prime of his career, with a €1 billion release clause protecting him from unwanted departures.

While he is determined to stay at Barcelona, the club must now find a way to balance the books, particularly given ongoing financial pressures.

One option under consideration is the potential sale of a key squad player – someone not an automatic starter under Flick but still an important figure. Such a move might be unpopular but could help the club financially.

What is certain, however, is that Raphinha is untouchable. After two seasons of inconsistency, he has now become an irreplaceable piece in Flick’s Barcelona.