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The Blaugrana's financial situation could see them lose one of their most vital players this season
Barcelona may soon face a significant contract headache with star winger Raphinha, whose sensational form this season has pushed him into Ballon d’Or conversation.
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Talks over a new deal are already underway, but early tensions over terms could put the club in a risky position.
Raphinha’s dazzling form fuels contract pressure
Few players have turned heads quite like Raphinha this season. With 30 goals and 21 assists in 49 appearances, the Brazilian has been nothing short of spectacular for Barcelona.
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Naturally, the club want to secure his long-term future and reward him with a new deal. However, the first proposal has not gone down well with the player’s camp.
Raphinha is reportedly unhappy with two key parts of the offer: the contract structure and the salary. Barcelona want to extend his current deal, which runs until 2027, by one year with an optional additional year until 2029.
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But the winger prefers a fixed two-year extension, not a 1+1 format, which he sees as lacking full commitment.
Salary concerns and outside temptation test Barcelona
In addition to the contract length issue, salary has also become a sticking point. Raphinha is said to be seeking a more substantial financial package than what Barcelona have put on the table.
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Although the player is not interested in leaving for Saudi Arabia, clubs from other European leagues are reportedly dangling lucrative offers in the background.
Interestingly, Raphinha is open to a lower release clause in his new deal of around €80 million, giving him the opportunity to leave on his own terms in the future.
Given the nature of negotiations and Raphinha’s importance to the team, Barcelona must act fast to prevent this dispute from derailing talks with a player many see as a Ballon d’Or contender this season.
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