28-year-old forward and Barcelona have their differences over his contract renewal – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are always looking at ways to secure their own long-term plans and objectives. For the Catalan giants, it is absolutely crucial that they do not stop making progress when they are at their best. Heading into next season, Barcelona would like to reinforce the team.

Normally, that would mean the arrival of new signings and reinforcements. However, reinforcing a team can be done through measures that are different from just buying and signing new players. Instead, even renewals are something that Barcelona is looking at.

One such player whose renewal almost seems inevitable is Raphinha. The Brazilian star and club captain has had the season of his life so far in this recent campaign, having scored 34 goals and having provided 25 assists in 56 games for Barcelona.

Barcelona and Raphinha have their differences

As a direct consequence, it makes sense as to why his renewal seems like a guarantee at this point. However, according to SPORT, that does not mean that the club and the player did not have their own differences to sort out or negotiate.

In fact, there seems to be a clear difference between what Barcelona wants to offer and what Raphinha is willing to accept. For the Catalan club, the ideal solution involves extending his stay for one more guaranteed year beyond 2027 and then leaving room for an additional year to be added on that could potentially extend his stay until 2029.

Raphinha has been instrumental for Barcelona this season. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The 28-year-old forward and his camp, however, believe his performances have earned him two additional guaranteed years at least. They do not want conditional years to be a part of the equation, and instead want guarantees from Barcelona.

The club does not seem too bothered

Reportedly, however, the club understands their position and Raphinha’s performances this season allow him to have such a leverage in these negotiations. Their only concern, however, is that he will be around 32 years old by the end his contract in 2029 ends if they do agree on a defined extension of two extra years.

While the club still wants to recoup some of the initial investment they made towards signing Raphinha from Leeds United, they also understand the current situation of the negotiations. One thing is for sure, however, and that is that Raphinha will definitely see his current salary increase at Barcelona considering his performances.