The Brazilian pivot, Carlos Vagner Gularte Filho, commonly known as Ferrao, has officially communicated to the Barça Club that he will not be extending his contract, beyond the current season. After an illustrious decade with the team, during which he became the second-highest scorer in the club’s history with 305 goals, Ferrao has decided to explore new opportunities. He had the option to extend his contract for one more year. He has informed the club’s manager, Jordi Torras, that he is ruling out the possibility of continuing with Barcelona.
Even before the injury, Ferrao was contemplating a new challenge after a successful decade at Barça.
Feeling that his cycle with the club had come to an end. Now, with lucrative offers from prominent teams in Benfica, Brazil, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, he has firmly decided to explore new horizons. Benfica, in particular, is reportedly making a strong bid to acquire Ferrao’s services, seeking to bolster their squad amid a serious crisis.
Ferrao, known as ‘Pantera,’ arrived at Barça in 2014 from Russian Tyumen at the age of 23. During his ten seasons, he has secured an impressive 22 titles with the club. Including four leagues, two Champions Leagues, three Spanish Cups, four Copas del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups. Despite injuries, his goal-scoring record as a Barça player remains outstanding.
Barça attempted to retain Ferrao. But due to the team’s delicate economic situation, the renewal offer was significantly lower than his current status. As the highest-paid player in the First Division. His departure aligns with a new salary policy to meet sustainability objectives.
As Ferrao departs, Barça faces the challenge of finding a replacement. While exploring options like Vinicius Nunes Rocha, who coincidentally will leave Benfica in June, uncertainty continues on the bench with the pending decision on the coach and potential candidates being considered by Jordi Torras.