FC Barcelona, top of La Liga with 12 points from four wins, has initiated a new phase of work following a summer of major signings. The club is now focusing on contract renewals for several players who have grown in importance under manager Hansi Flick's project.
The first of these operations has already been completed with Hamza Abdelkarim. The 18-year-old saw his contract and release clause improved, and an extra year was added, tying him to the club until 2029. With this case resolved, the sporting direction is concentrating its efforts on four other footballers.
Next on the list
Marc Bernal, aged 19, is one of the priorities. The midfielder, who is under contract until 2029, is in talks to improve his deal after recovering from a serious knee injury. As part of this process, his release clause has been raised to 500 million euros.
Gerard Martín, a 24-year-old defender, is also on the agenda. His current deal runs until 2028 with a 100 million euro clause, but the club is considering offering him a longer contract with a higher salary and an increased exit fee.
Xavi Espart, 19, signed as a youth player in 2025 until 2028, but his promotion to the first team and the squad number he now wears make him deserving of a salary increase. Meanwhile, Brian Fariñas, a 20-year-old central midfielder, earned Flick's trust after Frenkie de Jong's injury and is expected to renew his contract, currently ending in 2028, until 2031.
The Raphinha case
The list of potential renewals also includes a more experienced player. Raphinha, 29 and under contract until 2028, is another name being discussed at the Camp Nou offices. The Brazilian winger, who scored a brace in the recent 5-1 win over Feyenoord, is a key asset, though no concrete action has been taken yet.
This policy of internal consolidation comes at a time of strong collective performance. The team has strung together five consecutive wins, the latest a Champions League victory over Feyenoord, and leads the league table with a perfect record. The next challenge is a trip to face 11th-placed Levante on Saturday, September 13.
Sporting director Deco confirmed this line of work in a recent interview. "It's normal that, when players prove their worth and integrate into the first team, we review their conditions to reflect their new reality," he said. Barcelona's strategy is to secure its academy talents while competing for all titles, holding a two-point lead over Alavés at the top of La Liga.
