The Catalans are looking for an offensive winger who guarantees speed, goals and assists. They are now targeting the Milan forward.
With the Liga title out of reach, Barcelona is beginning to plan for the future for the next season. Currently, the main focus is on Xavi‘s succession on the bench, but the Blaugrana executives have already set two “strategic objectives” for the squad: a central midfielder to provide more solidity and physicality to the team, and a winger capable of providing pace, unpredictability, and also some goals and assists. According to the Spanish daily Sport, Barcelona’s spotlight has turned significantly towards Rafael Leao in relation to this second profile.
Also targeted by PSG, the Portuguese player would have all the characteristics to bolster Barcelona’s left flank. The budget available for the operation could be substantial. While the maximum expenditure for the central midfielder should not exceed €40 million, Barcelona’s budget for the attacking winger would certainly be much larger. According to Sport, initially, Barcelona inquired about Leroy Sané, but the player is reportedly close to renewing with Bayern Munich, shifting all of Barcelona’s attention towards Leao. The Portuguese at Barcelona is considered a top player. Both for his speed and technical ability, as well as his goal-scoring prowess, although this season with AC Milan he has stood out more as an assist provider than a goal scorer.
These characteristics place Rafael at the top of Barcelona’s wish list and are expected to trigger a real assault in June. According to some rumors, despite PSG’s strong interest, the Rossoneri forward does not wish to return to Ligue 1 but would prefer to experience the Premier League or La Liga. Tied to Milan until 2028, Leao has a release clause of €150 million. A figure currently unaffordable for Barcelona, but with a discount and the inclusion of some technical counterparts, it could decrease and become more within the Catalan’s reach.
