Barcelona plot surprising Raphinha sale in 2026

Barcelona are looking to extend the contract of Raphinha, at the same time as preparing for an exit by the time the 2026 World Cup comes around, reports in Spain claim.

The 28-year-old has been of Barcelona's most outstanding players of what's generally been an impressive season, registering 24 goals and 18 assists across 38 appearances in all competitions.

Playing alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski in a devastatingly talented front three, Raphinha has elevated his game to previously unseen levels and is now thought of as one of the world's best wingers.

Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona, who have recently extended the contracts of Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez, are planning to hand fresh terms to Yamal, Jules Kounde and Raphinha, with the latter already said to have a proposal waiting on the table.

Raphinha is described as being loyal to Barcelona, with clear objectives to help the club win La Liga and challenge for the Champions League. However, for all of his brilliance, it's claimed the Catalan giants are also looking at the bigger picture and are aware of how much revenue a sale could generate for the cash-strapped club.

Raphinha's current deal includes a €1bn buyout clause, although may very well be lowered to a more realistic sum to entice future suitors. A similar approach is said to have been adopted for Araujo, who extended his contract until 2030 but remains a staple of transfer gossip columns.

Raphinha's suitors have previously been named as Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, but talk of a bumper move to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League has been most regular.

The 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been earmarked as a potential time to part ways, giving Raphinha the remainder of this season and next in order to fulfil his trophy-winning objectives with Barcelona.

La Liga success is a very real possibility this season, though a thrilling climax is expected as Barcelona battle great rivals Real Madrid and Atletico for the crown. It is the latter who currently hold a two-point advantage but Hansi Flick's side can climb back to the summit with victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday afternoon – they have won their last five games and are yet to be beaten in 2025 across all competitions.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP