Managing contracts for wide forwards is a top priority for Barcelona in the summer of 2026, with Raphinha's situation central to the agenda. Despite recurring interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, both the club and the player deny any plans to leave. Now 29, Raphinha joined Barcelona in July 2022 on a deal initially running until June 2027, extended through 2028, with reports suggesting talks about a further extension to 2029.
The Catalan club regards Raphinha as a core pillar and is unwilling to sell him even with offers around €80–90 million plus lucrative salary packages. Sporting director Deco, familiar with the player from earlier days, categorically rejected the idea of transferring him to Saudi Arabia. Raphinha himself stated publicly, "Of course I am going to stay at Barcelona... next season and the next, and the next. I have many years of contract and I hope to fulfill those years and many others."
Occupying a key role on the right flank and being well integrated within the dressing room, Raphinha is hard to replace. Although he has suffered three injuries this season, which have raised concerns—possibly worsened by efforts to accelerate his recovery—the club maintains his importance in the squad. Efforts are ongoing to formalize a renewal framework to close this chapter and avoid further speculation.
