The reason behind Barça's favoritism for Rafael Leao over Nico Williams

Rafael Leao has improved his chances of becoming a player for FC Barcelona in 2025. Although the initial contacts with AC Milan were not positive for the Blaugrana board, both the forward and his entourage seem convinced to accept a Blaugrana offer if he ultimately decides to pressure the 'rossoneri' to force his exit next summer.

In this sense, one factor could be decisive for the negotiations between Barça and Milan to reach a successful conclusion. Unlike Nico Williams, Leao is represented by Jorge Mendes, with whom Joan Laporta maintains an excellent relationship. The Portuguese agent can secure a more affordable price for the Catalans, although the operation is very complex and depends on one or two significant sales to fit within the tight salary margin of the club.

Leao's current situation with Milan favors Barça

Initially, Milan does not intend to let their star go for less than 100 million euros, while Barça hopes to negotiate for a price no higher than 75-80 'kilos'. Rafa has a contract until 2028 and his release clause, according to various Italian media, is 175M€, an amount that no team would be willing to pay for the player from Almada. At least not in the short term.

At the same time, Leao's future has taken a turn in favor of the Blaugrana interests thanks to the poor relationship between the winger and Paulo Fonseca, who since his arrival at the Milan bench has had several clashes with the '10' due to disciplinary issues. Furthermore, the numbers of the Portuguese international in the 2024/25 season (6 goals and 6 assists in 22 matches) do not excite the club regarding his continuity.

Contacts between Barça and Nico Williams remain stalled

With Nico Williams, the situation is completely different. In Bilbao, they still dream of renewing him again to readjust his release clause (close to 60M€), despite the growing interest from several 'heavyweights' in the player from Pamplona. Barça, for its part, does not completely rule him out, but contacts have stalled after the Basque player's snub to a Blaugrana offer that took too long to arrive last summer.

This has also strained the relationship with his agent, Félix Tainta, since then. In any case, the Blaugrana board will not make a decision on the signing of their next debut until the end of the season, as the club still has several internal matters (registrations, renewals) to resolve in the first five months of 2025. Ahead of the winter market, the Catalans are handcuffed due to 'Financial Fair Play'.