FC Barcelona are convinced that signing a top left winger could be the big bet of the summer, along with the arrival of a central midfielder. In the case of the forward line, Nico Williams' refusal has forced the Blaugrana team to look for alternatives and there are many options that are currently being considered. In fact, the list of possible signings for FC Barcelona for its left winger continues to grow with each passing day: Luis Díaz, Kingsley Coman, Chiesa, Jadon Sancho, Leroy Sané, Greenwood or Désiré Doué are some of the players who have been linked.
Rafael Leao, the latest to join the Barça list
According to 'MD' on Tuesday, the name that is most talked about and liked right now at the Barcelona club is Rafael Leao, Milan's great star. The Portuguese is one of the most promising forwards in the world, and at 25 years old he already belongs to that group of really 'top' forwards that European football has.
His great performances with AC Milan have made him a target for several important teams, including FC Barcelona. At San Siro they are clear that they do not want to get rid of the left winger, but if he were to push to leave and a significant offer came in, it is more than possible that the 'rossoneri' would agree to negotiate his sale. Leao arrived at San Siro almost 5 years ago from Lille, in an operation that ended up costing almost 50 million euros, and since then he has done nothing but grow as a footballer
An operation valued at 90 million euros
Despite the striker's renewal until the summer of 2028 and having an exit clause of 150 million euros, Barça considers him a great market option if his talent continues to deliver such good returns and it were possible to lower the final figure to 90 million.
The main problem for the Blaugrana team is that a player of that profile is increasingly difficult to find in the elite and his starting price could have already surpassed the 100 million euro barrier. However, it is almost impossible for the Italians to sit down and talk to anyone if the offer does not exceed or at least come close to three figures. It seems difficult for the Milanistas to sell their great 'crack' for less than 100 million, taking into account that he renewed last year until 2028 and that the Rossoneri have no need or intention to sell.
A profile that is very popular at Camp Nou
Barça last week activated the “extreme operation” to look for alternatives to Nico Williams and the AC Milan striker is liked by the coaches and the board. Rafael Leao has the profile of a striker that meets what Barcelona is looking for at the moment: sacrifice, intelligence, power, speed and dribbling.
He is a decisive player in attack, even if he has to create the play himself. The Portuguese would fit in very well at Barça, especially after the arrival of a coach who also bets on combining possession play with quickly attacking the opponent's goal, as is the case of Hansi Flick.
Beyond the economic factor, and the fact that the player still needs to improve his goal-scoring account, Barça must remain very attentive to the future of the Portuguese and try to get closer to his entourage to find the right formula to opt for this operation. Rafael Leao would be a “5-star” signing in every sense.