Barcelona step up plans to renew Raphinha’s contract after Racing Santander hat-trick

Barcelona are preparing an improved contract offer for Raphinha after the Brazil forward’s recent form helped maintain their perfect start to the season.

Raphinha scored three times as Barcelona beat Racing Santander 7-2, taking his La Liga total to nine goals. The result extended Barcelona’s winning run before their meeting with Sevilla on Saturday.

Mato Moretto, the Marca journalist who specialises in the transfer market, says negotiations between Barcelona and Raphinha have reached an advanced stage.

Raphinha’s current contract runs until the summer of 2028, but Barcelona want to extend the agreement and improve the financial terms of his deal. The proposed changes would include a higher salary, although the club intend to preserve the balance of their wage structure.

Moretto reported that Raphinha attracted interest from the Saudi league during the summer transfer window but decided to remain at Barcelona. The club are now expected to complete an extension and increase his wages before the end of the year.

Barcelona’s seven goals against Racing Santander were scored by Raphinha, who completed his hat-trick, Joao Cancelo, who scored twice, Gabriel Jesus and Lamine Yamal.

Magatte Gueye and Yasser Zabiri scored for Racing Santander, who remain on seven points in 10th place. Barcelona moved to 18 points at the top of the Spanish league.

The victory also continued an exceptional start in front of goal. Barcelona have scored 27 times in their opening six league matches, making them the first team to reach that figure since Sevilla scored 32 during the 1940-41 season.

Hansi Flick has won 77% of his official matches as Barcelona manager, recording 95 victories in 124 games. That is the best winning percentage achieved by a Barcelona manager in the 21st century, ahead of Luis Enrique’s 76%.

Raphinha’s three goals also took his total to 11 in all official competitions this season. That makes him the leading scorer among players from clubs in Europe’s five major leagues.