Raphinha's Future at Barcelona Could Take an Unexpected Turn

A New Agent Enters Raphinha's Contract Talks

While Raphinha continues to score goals, his future at Barcelona is once again generating attention.

The Brazilian remains under contract with the Blaugrana until June 2028, but the club is working to extend his deal once again after his importance within Hansi Flick's project has grown considerably.

Until now, the player himself had played a major role in his contract negotiations, as he had not been working permanently with an agent.

That could now change.

According to Sport, Raphinha is considering working with Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports, as an adviser for the next stage of his career.

The timing is particularly significant because the potential change would come while Barcelona and the Brazilian are working on a new contract.

An Extension That Appeared to Be Nearly Done

Talks between the two sides have been progressing for some time.

Sporting director Deco recently acknowledged that there was an agreement in principle to extend the Brazilian's contract and that only a few details remained before the deal could be completed.

The possible arrival of a new representative, however, introduces another variable into the negotiations.

According to Sport, Barat's involvement could lead to some aspects of the agreement being discussed again, particularly the financial terms.

That does not mean the extension has collapsed.

Raphinha has expressed his happiness in Barcelona on different occasions and his desire to remain at the club, while keeping him has become a priority for the sporting department.

The Brazilian already renewed his contract in May 2025, extending his deal through 2028 after becoming one of Flick's most important players.

Now his importance within the team is even greater.

Raphinha Negotiates in the Best Form of His Career

Few players enter contract negotiations with such convincing arguments on the pitch.

Raphinha has just recorded back-to-back hat-tricks and has 14 goals in his first eight competitive matches of the season.

Twelve of those goals have come in LaLiga.

Barcelona itself confirmed that no player in club history had ever scored as many goals through the first eight matches of a season. The Brazilian surpassed the 13 scored by César Rodríguez at the beginning of the 1948-49 campaign.

His transformation under Flick has also been significant.

The German coach has used him as a center forward, and Raphinha has responded by becoming the main scoring reference for a Barcelona side that has started the season at an extraordinary attacking pace.

His contract situation, therefore, is no longer simply about keeping an important player.

Barcelona is trying to secure the future of one of the most decisive players in its project.

First Comes a Demanding Tour With Brazil

Before talks about his future return to center stage, Raphinha has another important commitment.

The forward has been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's first international camp following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Brazilian national team will face Australia twice, on September 25 and 29, before traveling to Kolkata to play India on October 3.

It will be an especially demanding trip for a player who arrives after accumulating a heavy workload with Barcelona and whose recent history with the national team includes several muscular problems.

That is why the Catalan club will also be closely monitoring his return.

Raphinha leaves with 14 goals, enjoying the best form of his career and with a potential contract extension once again waiting on the table.

When he returns from representing Brazil, one of Barcelona's biggest stories could be waiting for him away from the pitch.

• Raphinha is considering working with Ali Barat while negotiating another contract extension with Barcelona.
• The Brazilian is under contract through 2028 and has made a historic start to the season with 14 goals in eight competitive matches.
• Before his club future returns to the spotlight, Raphinha will play three friendlies with Brazil against Australia and India.

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