Barcelona sporting director Deco is securing long-term contract extensions for the club’s core players, anchored by a new deal for Brazilian forward Raphinha that runs through June 2030, alongside emerging talents and key youngsters.
Barcelona is combining a strong start to the season with quiet work behind the scenes to secure the long-term future of the squad. While manager Hansi Flick leads the team on the pitch, sporting director Deco is systematically locking down the club’s core players with new deals following last year’s renewals of nine key squad members, including Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Eric García.
Raphinha Locks in Long-Term Stay Until 2030
Leading the current wave of renewals is Brazilian forward Raphinha. Following an initial extension in May 2025 that tied him to the club until June 2028, his stellar form at the start of the season prompted swift action from the administration. Raphinha has recorded 14 goals and three assists in just eight appearances across all competitions, alongside leading the Spanish league scoring charts with 12 goals.
Deco announced during the club’s General Assembly in September that Raphinha would add two more years to his stay, extending his commitment through June 2030. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that the paperwork between the player, his camp, and lawyers has been finalized.
We have a preliminary agreement to renew Raphinha’s contract and the contract will be signed soon.
The official announcement and signing ceremony are scheduled to take place on Friday, just ahead of Barcelona’s fixture against Getafe. Despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs during previous transfer windows, Raphinha made clear his desire to stay at Camp Nou.
Barcelona Extends Contracts for Young Talents
The club’s strategy extends well beyond its senior leaders. Barcelona is preparing to announce renewals for midfielder Marc Bernal and young right-back Xavi Espart, both extending their terms to June 2030. Espart has emerged as one of the season’s surprises under Flick, carving out a regular role in the defensive rotation, while Bernal remains a foundational piece for the midfield’s future.
Prior to the international break, the administration also locked down 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdel Karim until June 2030. Fearing interest from Bayern Munich—who were poised to trigger a previous release clause—Barcelona raised his release clause.
These agreements follow Fermín López’s contract renewal in January 2026, which ties the midfielder to the Catalan club until June 30, 2031. With Gerard Martín and Brian Fariñas also nearing finalized extensions, nearly the entire squad’s future is secured.
Club Secures Goalkeeping Stability with Livaković
While outfield contracts are nearly settled, the situation in goal remains distinct. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny stands as the sole exception among senior players, with his contract set to expire this coming June following a one-year extension signed last summer. To ensure stability between the posts moving forward, the club previously added Dominik Livaković on a deal running through June 2030.
