Raphinha set to appoint new agent as Barcelona contract renewal plans take shape

Raphinha is expected to name a new agent in the coming days, ending an unusual two-year period without representation as Barcelona prepare to renew the Brazil forward’s contract.

The move is set to pave the way for a new deal that would reflect Raphinha’s increased importance to the club and could make him one of Barcelona’s highest-paid players.

The 29-year-old has become Barcelona’s leading attacking reference and, in the view of many, the outstanding player in La Liga. Much of his transformation has been attributed to manager Hansi Flick, who broke with convention by using Raphinha as a central striker and finding a role that brought the best out of him.

After a difficult initial spell at Camp Nou, Raphinha has enjoyed a golden second phase of his Barcelona career alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. With the Poland forward having since left the club and Barcelona not signing a high-profile replacement, responsibility for leading the attack has fallen largely on Raphinha.

His response has been described as remarkable, with the Brazilian now approaching the peak of his career as his role at the club continues to grow.

Deco conflict led to unusual situation

Raphinha arrived at Barcelona with Deco as his agent. Deco, who is now the club’s sporting director, had previously managed the player’s personal affairs but was forced to end that relationship after both joined Barcelona, because of the obvious conflict of interest.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Raphinha has remained without an agent ever since. That situation is considered unusual for a player of his standing, particularly with negotiations over a major contract requiring a trusted adviser to manage his future.

The report says several leading agents have shown interest in representing the forward, with Raphinha now set to resolve the matter shortly. It describes the appointment of a “super-agent” as an obvious and necessary step for a player of his value.

The new representative’s first task is expected to be negotiating an improved contract. Raphinha’s current agreement runs until June 2028, but Barcelona want his terms to match both his financial value and his importance on the pitch.

Allowing the situation to continue without an extension until summer 2027 could have created difficulties in different circumstances. However, both sides are understood to want the same outcome: Raphinha wants to remain at Barcelona and the club wants to keep him.

Initial contact between the parties began this week, with the first discussions intended to lay the foundations for a renewal.