Barcelona eye 25-year-old Serie A standout as possible replacement for club captain | OneFootball

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have a top name in mind if Raphinha unexpectedly leaves the club this summer—AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

While Raphinha is considered a key player under Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s financial troubles and the Brazilian’s growing market demand mean a transfer can’t be fully ruled out.

Raphinha has shown his value and trustworthiness on the pitch, but with the club in need of funds, his departure remains a possibility.

In that case, Leao has emerged as a serious candidate to take his place. The Portuguese winger was not previously seen as a realistic option for Barça, but the situation has shifted. Now, Leao is being viewed as an ideal fit for Flick’s tactical plans next season.

Why Leao could be the right fit for Barcelona

Leao offers a mix of speed, flair, and versatility, traits that could suit Barcelona’s evolving attack. He can play out wide or move into central areas, giving the team more tactical flexibility.

Rafael Leao is back on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old already has experience in top-level European football and could help strengthen an attacking line that might see major changes this summer.

That said, signing him won’t be easy, as AC Milan have no intention of letting him go without a fight. The Italian club value him highly, and Barcelona would need to make a serious financial push to even start negotiations.

Still, sources close to Leao suggest the player is open to a new challenge, which keeps the door slightly open.

If Raphinha ends up leaving, Leao’s profile fits perfectly into what Barcelona are looking for, youth, talent, and Champions League experience. While the operation would be complex, the interest from Barça is more real now than ever before.