MADRID, May 22 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona announced Thursday that Brazilian forward Raphinha has signed a contract extension through June 2028.
"The Brazilian forward signed his new contract on Thursday at the Club offices in the presence of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, first vice-president Rafa Yuste and Club sporting director Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco', among others," the club said on its website.
The announcement marks a reversal in fortunes for the 28-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.
The club had considered selling him last summer, but ultimately decided to keep him due to difficulties in signing new players. Raphinha has since delivered an impressive return of 34 goals and 25 assists in 54 appearances under coach Hansi Flick. Only Robert Lewandowski, with 40 goals in all competitions, has scored more as Barcelona went on to win La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The confirmation of Raphinha's contract extension comes just a day after Flick extended his own deal with the club through 2027. Barcelona is also working to secure the future of 17-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal.
