Barcelona hat-trick hero Raphinha has never wanted to leave the side, and the club are reportedly confident of the winger signing a contract extension.
The Brazilian was the hero against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, with his three goals enough to secure the Spanish club their first win against the Bavarians since 2015.
Raphinha was also vital against Real Madrid during Barca's commanding win against Carlo Ancelotti's side, scoring the Catalan's fourth goal in their El Classico rout.
The winger has not always been a fan favourite, with the player commenting recently about how he was hurt by a picture of a supporter holding up a Barcelona shirt with Nico Williams name above the Brazilian's squad number.
Sport.es claim that Raphinha wants to stay at Barcelona beyond the expiry of his contract in 2027, and that the club themselves are taking a measured approach to extending his deal and are keen to tie the forward down to new terms.
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Flick revolution
Much of Raphinha's success this term has been attributed to the arrival of Hansi Flick, with the former Bayern coach setting up his team in a way that maximises the winger's skillsets.
Indeed, the former Leeds player was primarily seen as a right-winger by many in the football sphere, but this season he has performed excellently from the left, partnered by Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal up front.
Raphinha's relentless tenacity complements the creative passing of Yamal, as well as the ageing Lewandowski, who benefits from being accompanied by energetic players at this stage of his career.
Prior to this campaign, the Brazilian had produced 20 goals and 22 assists in the two seasons he played at Barcelona, but already has 12 goals and seven assists this term.
If Raphinha can continue his exceptional form over the remainder of the season, then perhaps the Catalan's can go far in the Champions League and reclaim the La Liga title from Real Madrid.
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Barcelona attack
Barcelona have won 10 of their 11 La Liga matches in 2024-25 and have already scored 37 times, and their rate of 3.36 goals per game is significantly more than the 2.08 goals per game they averaged last term.
Flick will also be pleased that his side have managed to keep three clean sheets in their five most recent top-flight matches, but have still 15 goals in that period.
Youngster Yamal has six goals and seven assists in La Liga and the Champions League, while Lewandowski seems as deadly as ever in the penalty box considering he has 17 goals and two assists in 14 appearances in those competitions.
Alongside his goals and assists, Raphinha has also proved to be a valuable tool for Flick out of possession, with his intensity off the ball helping to generate turnovers from which Barcelona create numerous chances.
As he is an integral player to Flick's new-look Barca, it would be sensible to ensure the Brazilian will remain at the club beyond 2027.
Lewis Nolan
