Barcelona's calculations to 'attack' the signing of Deco's preferred winger

Published:19/12/2024 - 01:07h

Updated:19/12/2024 - 01:11h

The FC Barcelona board begins to calculate how to pursue a 'top' winger in 2025. Rafael Leao has gained traction in recent weeks, but his transfer would depend on the departure of a 'heavyweight' player.

Deco seems determined to 'attack' the signing of Rafael Leao in 2025. Doubts about Nico Williams' future at Athletic Club have tipped the scales in favor of the Portuguese in recent weeks, beyond the huge price difference between the two forwards. The Basque would arrive for around €65M, much less than what the Portuguese international would cost, but the culé sporting director leans more towards his compatriot.

Aware of AC Milan's refusal to negotiate the transfer of their star for less than 100 million euros, both Deco and Joan Laporta are calculating the necessary moves to amortize an operation of such proportions. For now, Barcelona still lacks cash and financial solvency to sign normally. However, the situation could change radically in the coming weeks.

The club hopes to close 2024 with the registrations of Dani Olmo and Víctor resolved. Additionally, the board continues to explore ways to finally return to the 1/1 rule, a determining factor to strengthen without restrictions in the summer of 2025. In the case of the 'Leao operation', the simplest formula to have enough money and salary margin is to let go of a 'heavyweight'.

The departure of Frenkie de Jong would clear the way for Rafael Leao

In this sense, the latest information points to Frenkie de Jong as the 'discard' chosen by the board and coaching staff for the next season. The transfer of the Dutchman would leave a minimum of 60-70 'kilos' in the culé coffers, an amount still distant from what Milan asks for Rafa, but enough to start negotiations and resolve other details of his contract with the Portuguese winger, such as salary, bonuses, premiums, and other emoluments.

In any case, these moves would hardly take place during the winter market, considering Barcelona's urgencies with Olmo's registration and the poor current form of the Dutch midfielder. The culés, in fact, will seek to renew the Arkel native (whose contract ends in 2026) before the season ends to update his contract and ensure a profitable sale.