Raphinha closes in on Barcelona extension after surpassing Messi record

Raphinha is nearing a contract extension with Barcelona that would keep him at the club until 2030, with negotiations described as progressing positively.

Barcelona sporting director Deco confirmed the talks during the club’s general assembly, while discussions are also continuing over new deals for Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal.

The announcement came on the same day that Raphinha strengthened his case for a long-term future at Barcelona by scoring a hat-trick against Sevilla in the seventh round of the Spanish league season. The Brazil international now has 12 goals in the competition this term.

According to statistics provider Opta, Raphinha has scored more goals in the opening seven league matches of a season than Lionel Messi managed for Barcelona in the 21st century.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more in that period. The Portuguese forward scored 13 goals for Real Madrid in the 2014-15 season, a mark Raphinha had hoped to match or surpass before being substituted in the 76th minute.

The 28-year-old is enjoying his strongest spell since joining Barcelona and has adapted successfully to a new role as a false nine.

Raphinha has scored in every league match this season except the meeting with Levante. In each of the other games, he has found the net at least once, and he has now completed hat-tricks in consecutive matches.

Barcelona are keen to retain their captain for the long term, while Raphinha has quickly indicated that he is willing to extend his stay.

The forward is understood to feel settled at both the club and in the city. He also wants to continue his career with the Catalan side and has expressed an ambition to finish his playing career wearing the Barcelona shirt.

Negotiations have accelerated in recent days. Deco told the club’s general assembly that the process was following the planned course, with the two sides showing clear signs of being close to an agreement.

That progress increases the likelihood of Raphinha remaining at Barcelona until 2030, although head coach Hansi Flick’s decision to replace him against Sevilla denied him the opportunity to challenge Ronaldo’s record in the same match.