Despite his obvious financial problems, and his constant recording drama, none of them have ever stopped the president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, trying to make an eye-catching signing in the summer. One of the players he likes the most for the coming summer is AC Milan Rafael Leao.
Laporta is a big fan of his, and believes that the signing of Leao would give a boost in terms of profile and reputation. Although his consistency is in doubt, his talent is beyond it, and at his best he can be unstoppable. The fact that Jorge Mendes represents Leao, and shares a close relationship with Laporta is an important factor, and that alone will put him high on their short list they say. Sport.
However, the Barcelona staff are not of the same mind. While they recognize that Leao is lethal in space with the ball at his feet, and on the contrary, his game outside of it gives him doubts. A section of the scouting reports on him was also highlighted, the fact that he does not have much of a defensive work rate, and there are also doubts about his ability when facing packed defenses, something that Barcelona often has to treat
Barcelona will not be able to count on Héctor Fort on January 15 for the Copa del Rey match against Real Betis. The defender has been called up by Spain U19 for a friendly match against Italy U19, which will be played on the same day. @sport
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 10, 2025
The fact that Lamine Yamal is on the other flank is another check when they also look at Leao – they are happy with the 17-year-old, but he is not naturally given to defend either, and the idea of having both in the side potentially unbalancing the team. In general, they feel that there are other options in the position that would suit Barcelona better.
Perhaps the biggest problem is its price. Even taking into account Barcelona's relationship with Mendes, the Catalan daily notes that it is “highly unlikely”. Milan accept an offer below €90m for Leao.
Leao is no longer an emerging talent, and as he moves into the peak of his career, it is understood that there are doubts about whether he will develop some of the gaps in his game. Raphinha has been used more inside the left flank this season, but his defensive work rate is not understated when considering his contribution.
