FC Barcelona has made it a priority for the upcoming summer transfer market to sign a left winger. Given the uncertainties surrounding Nico Williams' future at Athletic Club, the blue and claret board has explored other alternatives and one of the most convincing options for Joan Laporta is Rafael Leao, for whom the president has already made some approaches last summer.
However, an unexpected obstacle could derail Barcelona's plans to pursue the Portuguese winger in 2025. Recent reports indicate the possible interest from Milan in Xavi Hernández, following the poor start to the season for the team under Paulo Fonseca's management. The 'rossoneri' have not performed poorly in the Champions League (the 'rossoneri' are still in playoff contention), but their performance in Serie A has left much to be desired.
Milan is seventh with 22 points, resulting from 6 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses, although with two matches still to be played. The leader, Atalanta, is 15 points ahead (37), while their neighbors, Inter, also have a 9-point advantage with the same number of matches played (14). This would lead the club to make a change in January and the former Barça coach is one of the options that most convinces president Paolo Scaroni. This decision would also be crucial for Rafa Leao's future.
The possible departure of Paulo Fonseca is key for Rafael Leao's future
So far, the relationship between the coach and the winger has been very complicated, beyond sharing nationality. Fonseca's tactical rigidity has frustrated Leao, a forward who tends to commit little to recovery, as he prefers to enjoy full freedom to attack down the left flank. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old player has scored 6 goals and provided 6 assists in 20 matches (1,413 minutes).
If the 'rossoneri' board decides to place Xavi in place of the Portuguese coach in January, Rafa could change his mind about wanting to move as soon as possible in 2025. The winger is under contract until 2028 and Milan will hardly let him go for less than 100 million euros, but Joan Laporta is confident in negotiating a lower price if the player stands firm in favor of a Barça proposal next summer.