Barcelona president still admires €75m-rated sensation despite financial challenges | OneFootball

According to a recent report from SPORT, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has not given up on the idea of signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

Despite financial and squad challenges, Laporta continues to believe that the Portuguese international would be a strong fit for the club and could thrive under the right conditions at Barça.

Leao’s off-field season has had its share of complications, but his on-field numbers remain impressive.

To put things into perspective, he recorded 15 goals and 14 assists last season and this campaign, he already has 11 goals and 12 assists with four matches still left to play, excluding the Club World Cup.

His consistent output in a competitive league like Serie A has kept him on the radar of top European clubs.

Laporta holds him in high regard

Laporta feels that a move to Barcelona would allow Leao to find the consistency he needs to reach the next level.

Joan Laporta really admires Rafael Leao. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The Barça president is confident that the club’s playing style and environment would help the forward flourish, especially by giving him the chance to play in a system that suits his strengths.

However, one obstacle in this potential move is Raphinha. The Brazilian has made the left wing his own. His numbers have made it difficult for anyone to push him out of the starting XI, and this could complicate Leao’s possible integration.

A long-term target

Barcelona had previously tried to bring Leao in during the last summer transfer window, but time and financial constraints made it impossible.

Now, sources within the club suggest that the talk is shifting more towards Leao than Nico Williams when discussing reinforcements for next season.

The player is said to be open to joining Barcelona. While Jorge Mendes does not directly manage Leao—his brother does—Mendes still has influence and has long been offering the player to the Catalan giants.

The only major roadblock remains the high cost of the transfer, which has always been a deal-breaker in the past.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.