LaLiga2 hours ago2 minute read

Raphinha Extends Barcelona Deal to 2030 After Incredible Form

Raphinha has signed a two year contract extension with Barcelona following his transition into a prolific central striker.

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New deal for the Brazilian striker

Barcelona have officially announced a new contract for Raphinha, extending his stay until 2030. The 29 year old Brazil international was previously under contract until 2028. Club bosses decided to add two years to his deal after his remarkable transition into a central striker.

Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022 as a right winger. He later shifted to the left wing under manager Hansi Flick, scoring 34 goals in 57 games in 2024 and 2025, along with another 21 goals in 33 matches last term.

Thriving in a central role

Following a failed attempt to buy Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona lacked a senior striker in preseason. Flick tried Raphinha through the middle, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Lamine Yamal.

Before the LaLiga opener against Elche in August, Flick asked Raphinha if he was comfortable continuing as a No.9 or if he wanted to move back to the left side. Raphinha said he was happy to play through the middle.

The decision has brought massive results. Raphinha has scored 19 goals in just 13 appearances across all competitions this year. That run includes a brace in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League victory against Aston Villa.

Scoring run drives title push

The forward scored in seven of Barcelona's first eight matches. The only game in that stretch where he missed the scoresheet was a 4-2 win over Levante, where he provided two assists instead. He also scored back to back hat tricks against Racing Santander and Sevilla.

An injury while away with Brazil forced him to miss two matches. He returned to start in defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, scoring in the Clàsico loss. He has since responded with braces in his last two matches against Alavés and Villa.

His scoring form has helped Barcelona win 13 of their first 15 games this campaign ahead of their top of the table clash away at Atlético Madrid.

What it means for the next game

Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona (LaLiga, Sun, 08 Nov): Atlético Madrid win 28%, draw 23%, Barcelona win 49%; expected goals 1.46 to 1.95. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.