Deco confirms Raphinha, Bernal and Espart renewals are close as Barcelona finalise trio

Barcelona sporting director Deco told the club’s General Assembly that new contracts for Raphinha, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart are close to being finalised, with none of the three deals formally signed at the time of the announcement. Raphinha’s proposed extension would run through 2030, adding two years to his current deal, which had been set to expire in 2028.

Raphinha, 29, has been one of Hansi Flick’s most influential players this season. The Brazilian winger, who wears the captain’s armband, has contributed 11 goals and three assists across seven appearances in all competitions. Barcelona signed him from Leeds United in 2022, and Deco described his renewal as well on its way when speaking to RAC1, framing it as practically agreed and awaiting formal completion.

The other two players named by Deco are both 19 years old and products of La Masia. Marc Bernal, a deep-lying midfielder who has made seven appearances and registered two assists this season, is set to extend his contract to 2031. Full-back Xavi Espart is expected to sign a deal running through 2030.

At the Assembly, Deco was careful to present the three negotiations as representing major progress rather than completed business. He linked the renewals to Barcelona’s sporting ambition of competing for every title and to the club’s ongoing commitment to developing and retaining young players from their academy.

Reporting from the Assembly also placed the contract discussions in the context of Barcelona’s broader effort to remain competitive while managing the club’s financial position. The combination of a senior captain’s extension with two academy graduates reflects that dual objective.

According to reports from the Assembly, all three agreements were expected to be formally completed within the following week. Until then, Raphinha’s deal to 2030, Espart’s deal to 2030, and Bernal’s extension to 2031 remain pending final formalisation.