Barcelona begin talks to secure promising midfielder Brian Farinas beyond 2030

Barcelona have opened negotiations to extend Brian Farinas’ contract after the 20-year-old midfielder’s position at the club changed significantly this summer.

Farinas had been close to leaving Barcelona to join Girona, but head coach Hansi Flick blocked the move after Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury. The youngster has since been included in the first-team squad following an impressive pre-season.

Farinas is regarded as one of the club’s most promising players, alongside Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim. Although he has yet to make his senior debut, Barcelona have considerable confidence in his ability and potential.

The midfielder, who selected the number four shirt because of its special history at Barcelona, is currently contracted until the summer of 2028. Several days after the summer transfer window closed, sporting director Deco contacted the player’s agent to discuss his future and begin talks over a new deal.

Farinas’ representative, Borja Garcia, visited Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Thursday for a meeting with Deco. The discussions were described as highly positive, with both parties establishing the foundations for an extension.

Significant progress was made during the meeting, and there is not expected to be any difficulty in reaching an agreement that would keep Farinas at Barcelona beyond 2030. His salary will be improved to reflect his new status within the first-team squad, while the release clause in his contract will also be increased.

The clause currently stands at 15m euros.

The change in Farinas’ status has also been reflected away from the pitch. Until recently, he travelled to the training ground in a 2007 Toyota Auris, a detail that prompted several comments.

Senior first-team officials had been working to alter the player’s situation since last week. After becoming a full member of the senior squad, Farinas was given a new Cupra Raval electric car.

Barcelona are also planning to renew Abdelkarim’s contract. His release clause is expected to rise to 150m euros from its current figure of 15m euros.

Farinas’ promotion follows a summer in which his future appeared uncertain. The injury to De Jong, combined with the midfielder’s performances during preparations for the new campaign, led Flick to retain him and give him a place among the first-team players.

Although his first competitive appearance for Barcelona has not yet come, the club’s decision to begin discussions over a deal potentially running beyond 2030 underlines the importance now attached to his development.