Hansi Flick says Raphinha renewal is ‘best decision’ for Barcelona

Hansi Flick says Raphinha’s decision to extend his contract with Barcelona was the right outcome for both the player and the Spanish club.

The Barcelona manager was speaking at a news conference before his side’s La Liga meeting with Atletico de Madrid on 08 November 2026, where he welcomed the Brazil international’s renewal.

“Raphinha’s contract renewal? It is the best decision for Barcelona and Raphinha,” Flick said. “I am extremely happy about it. He is a wonderful player and the captain of our team.”

Flick was then asked about Atletico de Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, who had been linked with a move to Barcelona.

“He is a great player for me, but he plays for Atletico de Madrid and I have to focus on my team,” Flick said.

The German was also asked whether Alvarez was now a matter from the past. Flick made clear that he did not want to discuss players contracted to other clubs, while emphasising his satisfaction with the attacking options already available at Barcelona.

“I do not like talking about players who play for other clubs,” he said. “I am focused on the players in my team, and I am very happy with the current situation of the squad. We have many options in attack, and I am not thinking about anything else.”

Alvarez had been Flick’s first choice to strengthen Barcelona’s attack with a new signing during the previous summer transfer window. However, Atletico de Madrid refused to allow the forward to move to Barcelona.

Flick’s comments came ahead of the meeting between Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid in the 12th round of La Liga, with the coach reiterating that his attention remains on the players currently in his squad rather than on a possible future move for Alvarez.