Raphinha signals desire to stay at Barcelona beyond 2028

Raphinha says he wants to extend his Barcelona contract and end his playing career with the Catalan club after making an outstanding start to the season.

The Brazil international has scored 11 goals in seven matches, including a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 7-2 victory over Racing Santander.

He has established himself as Barcelona’s central attacking player following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and is under contract until 2028.

“Yes, I intend to extend my contract,” Raphinha told RAC1.

“When I extended it the first time, I signed until 2028 on the assumption that I would be then 30 or 31 years old, and I didn’t know how things would turn out.

“Given the way I’ve started the season, I think I can keep going for a few more years and I would be very happy to extend my contract and, hopefully, finish my career here without having to go elsewhere.”

The 29-year-old has also taken on added responsibility at Barcelona this season after being appointed captain.

He was given the role following the departures of Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Frenkie de Jong has been sidelined by injury.

Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022. His contribution has increased significantly since Hansi Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez as head coach.

He has scored 86 goals in 184 appearances for Barcelona, with 66 of those goals coming since Flick took charge.

Flick has led Barcelona to the La Liga title in each of his first two seasons at the club. The team have begun the new campaign in similarly strong form, winning all seven of their matches.

Their victories include a 5-1 success against Feyenoord in the Champions League.

Barcelona are three points clear of both Real Madrid and Real Betis before Saturday’s visit to fifth-placed Sevilla, when Raphinha is expected to lead the attack again.