SER: Rafinha will be staying at Barça until at least January

SER: Rafinha will be staying at Barça until at least January

The Brazilian midfielder, who was told he could leave this summer, has decided to remain at the Camp Nou for now

Rafinha Alcantara has decided to stay at FC Barcelona and won't leave the club during the summer transfer window. Despite being told he isn't part of Ronald Koeman's plans, the Brazilian would rather spend another six months at the Camp Nou and make a decision on his future in January.

Rafinha's deal expires on the 30th June 2021 so would be free to negotiate with other teams in January. The midfielder was open to leaving the club this summer but Barça insisted that any interested side paid his €16m buyout clause. No one matched that bid.

Another factor against a move was Rafinha's reluctant to leave on loan. He enjoyed his time at Celta but wants to commit his future to a club on a long term basis, as this is likely to be the last big contract of his career.

Rafinha will instead hope to force his way into Koeman's plans but that appears unlikely due to the competition for midfield places at Barça.

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