Barcelona, Nov 18: Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign emerging talent Rafinha, the brother of first-team player Thiago Alcantara, until 2014.
The 18-year-old Rafinha, whose full name is Rafael Alcantara, remains with the Spanish champions until the close of the 2013-14 season following reports that clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, were monitoring his progress.
Barcelona says Rafinha's buy-out clause will be £12 million ($16 million) until the close of the 2012-13 season, when it will rise to £30 million ($40 million).
Brazilian-born Rafinha debuted with the senior team in a 1-0 Copa del Rey victory at Hospitalet earlier this month after only recently being promoted to Barcelona B from the youth ranks.