By IANS,
Madrid : FC Barcelona has entered into an agreement with young striker “Rafinha” Rafa Alcantara, assuring him that his future with the club is safe until the end of June, 2015.
The 18-year-old Rafinha, the younger brother of Barcelona’s Spanish under-21 international Thiago Alcantara, is currently playing in the second division with Barcelona’s B-team, although he made his first team debut in last week’s 1-0 win away to Hospitalet in the Copa del Rey.
The son of former Brazil international, Mazinho, Rafinha’s splendid showing this season had sparked rumours of Real Madrid and English club Chelsea showing interest in him. But Barcelona acted quickly to ensure that one of the most promising players from their youth system does not abandon the club.
Rafinha plays in deep-lying striker role, he is fast, able to beat a defender in a one-on-one and has an excellent goal scoring record with six goals in 20 appearances for the B-team. He has also represented Spain at U-16, 17 and 19 levels.