Despite enjoying one of the best seasons of his career under new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, Brazilian forward Raphinha finds himself at a contractual impasse with the club.
According to reports from Spain, negotiations between Raphinha and Barcelona over a new contract are not progressing smoothly, with the two sides reportedly disagreeing on nearly every aspect of the proposed extension.
Raphinha has been in sensational form this season, scoring 30 goals and providing 23 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
His performances have not only boosted Barcelona’s fortunes but also drawn attention from top Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. There is also reported interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Despite the rising interest, Raphinha is said to be keen on staying at Barcelona.
The club also wishes to keep him beyond his current deal, which runs until 2026. However, contract negotiations have hit a snag over both salary and duration.
Barcelona are reportedly offering a one-year extension to 2028 with an additional one-year option. Raphinha, now 28, is pushing for at least two guaranteed years added to his deal.
Club officials are reportedly hesitant to commit to a longer contract given their concerns over investing heavily in players approaching their thirties.
On the financial side, Raphinha has not been impressed with the proposed salary.
Though specific figures remain undisclosed, the Brazilian forward believes his current form and importance to the team warrant a higher wage package.
One point of agreement is his release clause. Both the player and the club are said to have settled on a buyout figure of approximately €80 million (£68.3 million), which is viewed as a fair valuation for a player nearing 30.
Despite the disagreements, there is currently no panic from either side. With two years still remaining on his contract, negotiations are expected to continue over the coming months as Barcelona hopes to reach a resolution and avoid any future complications.
