Deco confirms Barça will complete renewals for Raphinha, Bernal and Espart

Barça are heading into a decisive week on the contracts front. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Deco kicked off his sporting management report at the club’s general assembly with three major updates: the plan is for Raphinha’s renewal to be definitively sealed alongside improved deals for Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart. He pointed out that administrative steps are still needed “during this week”, with the aim that everything is concluded next week.

Renewals close

In his comments, Deco said Raphinha will extend his deal until 2030. The forward’s previous contract ran to 2028 and, according to what the director explained at the assembly, he will add two more years; Deco also noted that they had left the process “almost ready” the previous afternoon. The push for the extension had already been signposted earlier: Mundo Deportivo recalls that in his latest interview with RAC1, Deco had said his intention was to extend the contract of the striker, described as the new centre-forward Hansi Flick has “invented” for Barça.

Timing and statements

The piece also links the deal to Raphinha’s own words. Per Mundo Deportivo, the player said on RAC1 that he wanted to renew and, if possible, retire at Barça. With the new end date, Raphinha will be 33 in 2030.

Bernal and Espart as well

Deco also addressed the other two cases. He said Marc Bernal’s renewal was in the right direction, changing the contract timeline from ending in 2029 to finishing in 2031. For Xavi Espart, the improvement moves his departure date from 2028 to 2030. Deco concluded that these are administrative matters to finalise, while the agreements have already been “sorted”, according to his public explanation.