An appointment with a surprise: Barcelona has a huge piece of news in store for its fans next Friday

A major event

Barcelona are set to officially announce Raphinha's contract extension until 2030, a strategic move that cements the Brazilian's place as one of the club's key attacking players for years to come.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Raphinha will put pen to paper alongside Joan Laporta next Friday. He will then hold a press conference to explain why he has chosen to stay in Catalonia.

The winger drove the extension himself. His previous deal ran until 2028, but he wanted to lock down his future for longer.

His new contract keeps the one billion euro release clause.

Saudi clubs came calling with big-money offers over the summer, yet Raphinha never wavered. He wanted a pay rise to match his standing in the side, and a long-term commitment to go with it.

Since Hansi Flick arrived, Raphinha has become one of Barcelona's most important weapons. The German convinced him to stay and handed him a leadership role, then this season the player agreed to shift into the out-and-out striker position after the club missed out on Julian Alvarez.

That redeployment at number nine worked a treat. Raphinha became the team's top scorer and a driving force in the attacking press, confirming his place as a central figure in Barcelona's project for the coming years.

Expect the full story behind the decision when Raphinha faces the media, with both parties clearly set on extending the partnership until 2030.