Raphinha Headlines Barcelona’s Triple Renewal Push

Barcelona are balancing continuity for a key first-team attacker with longer-term planning for two players already contributing under Hansi Flick. The club expects to complete renewals for Raphinha, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart in the coming days, with negotiations reportedly at the contract-drafting and exchange stage rather than formally concluded.

MARCA has reported that the three sets of talks are well advanced and that Barcelona aim to close and announce the extensions shortly. The players were due to return to the club’s discipline after international commitments, while Raphinha had already spent several days at the Ciutat Esportiva as discussions resumed.

The proposed terms reflect different priorities. Bernal, the midfielder from Berga, is expected to sign through June 2031, while versatile defender Espart is set to extend until 2030; both are also due to receive significantly improved financial conditions.

Bernal has featured in all eight of Barcelona’s matches this season-seven in LaLiga and one in the Champions League-and has supplied two assists. Espart has appeared in five games, scoring once and providing two assists, giving the club current first-team contributions to weigh alongside their longer-term potential.

Espart’s versatility and growing role have made him an increasingly relevant option for Flick, while the extension would protect a young player whose involvement has already extended beyond occasional academy opportunities. Xavi Espart’s emergence in the first team gives further context to why Barcelona are moving to secure his future now.

Raphinha’s agreement is also close, with the Brazil international due to sign through June 2030. The 29-year-old captain is expected to receive improved remuneration reflecting his importance to the side, potentially placing him among the dressing room’s highest-paid players.

His current output helps explain the club’s priority: Raphinha has started all eight matches played by Barcelona and leads the team with 14 goals, including 12 in LaLiga. He has been deployed as a false nine, adding a central attacking option as well as his work from the flank; the reported renewal would provide continuity around one of Flick’s most productive players. The forward’s future and his wish to remain at the club have also been part of the contract discussion, as outlined in the background on Raphinha’s Barcelona future.

Bernal’s longer deal similarly reflects his place in the manager’s plans, with regular involvement and improved terms forming the basis of the reported agreement. The negotiations over Marc Bernal’s contract extension fit Barcelona’s broader effort to retain players who have moved quickly into first-team contention.

The three renewals are not the only contract matters on the club’s agenda, although those involving Gerard Martín and Brian Fariñas remain at an earlier stage. Barcelona has begun contacts with Martín over an improved, extended deal, while only an initial approach has taken place with Fariñas and formal negotiations are expected to follow.

For Raphinha, Bernal and Espart, the immediate next step is the completion and signing of the drafted agreements. MARCA reported that Barcelona expects announcements in the coming days, but until the club confirms them, all three renewals remain pending rather than completed.