Barcelona tying up ‘final details’ of two more contract renewals

Barcelona’s summer strategy under new sporting leadership is becoming crystal clear: prioritize continuity over chaos. And at the heart of this plan is Director of Football Deco, who has made it a mission to secure the futures of key squad members before even thinking about any blockbuster signings.

With financial prudence and stability in mind, Deco has already confirmed that Raphinha, Marc Casado, and Marc Bernal will extend their contracts. He even described a renewal with Jules Koundé as “probable.” Now, the Catalan giants are reportedly putting the finishing touches on new deals for Eric Garcia and Inigo Martinez, according to Sport.

This marks a continuation of a new policy where the club ensures players know they are valued under new coach Hansi Flick, who is now central to player negotiations. Flick has already reached out personally to both Garcia and Martinez, mapping out his vision and their roles for the next two seasons.

Inigo Martinez, who had just signed a short-term extension two months ago, is now expected to pen another renewal that aligns with Flick’s contract duration. The German manager sees the experienced center-back as an anchor for his defense and a natural partner to youngster Pau Cubarsí, with whom he wants to build a consistent defensive line.

This swift second renewal reflects how quickly Flick has made his influence felt in Barcelona’s boardroom and dressing room. His insistence on Martinez remaining in the squad shows the tactical significance of the veteran’s left foot and his leadership experience.

On the other hand, Eric Garcia’s situation is perhaps even more symbolic of this summer’s transition. Once a rotational player, Garcia is now set for a key role under Flick. The new boss is impressed by the defender’s versatility, having used him as a center-back, a right-back, and even in central midfield during pre-season planning.

Garcia is expected to sign a three-year extension with a significant salary increase. And for the first time since his return from Girona, he feels assured of his place at the club. That loan spell, which saw him regain confidence and rhythm, was a turning point that Deco himself acknowledged.

Deco, speaking on Thursday, was glowing in his praise for Garcia’s growth and attitude. “When he came back from Girona, he returned stronger. I told his agent Ivan de la Peña, ‘Let him stay here.’ I trust Ivan. We value Eric a lot,” he said.

Garcia’s statistics back up the faith placed in him. This season, the 24-year-old has played over 2,000 minutes across 44 appearances, scoring five goals and assisting three — an impressive return for a defender who was not even a guaranteed starter at the season’s outset.

What’s more, his positional flexibility provides a vital solution for a club still navigating financial constraints and roster depth issues. Flick is known for valuing intelligent, multi-functional players — Garcia ticks all the boxes.

The renewals of Garcia and Martinez are not isolated gestures but part of a wider club effort to stabilize the core of the team before launching into the high-pressure transfer market. Deco has emphasized repeatedly that renewals come first, signaling a return to long-term squad building instead of knee-jerk reactions.

Still on the table are renewals for Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, and Andreas Christensen — all players with contracts expiring next summer. Of these, Yamal’s is considered the most urgent, with Barcelona keen to tie down the teenager being hailed as the club’s next generational icon.

Meanwhile, fans await official confirmation of Raphinha’s extension, which is expected to be signed by the end of the week and run until 2028. The Brazilian has reportedly accepted the terms and is happy with Flick’s plan for him.

As Barcelona prepare for a new era under Flick, there’s an unmistakable feeling that this summer isn’t just about signing names — it’s about sending a message: this team is being built with trust, continuity, and a clear identity.

The road ahead still contains challenges, particularly with star players like de Jong and Yamal commanding global interest. But for now, Barcelona seem to be moving with conviction and clarity.

These contract renewals may not make headlines like blockbuster transfers, but they’re the foundation of a sustainable rebuild. In a football world obsessed with big fees and flashy unveilings, Barcelona’s new direction under Deco and Flick could prove quietly revolutionary.

Only time will tell, but if stability leads to success, then these signatures might just be Barcelona’s smartest moves of the summer.