La Liga heavyweights Barcelona have reportedly identified 23-year-old Portuguese international Rafael Leao as a top target for next year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Rafael Leao is one of the priority targets for Barcelona for the 2023 summer transfer window. The 23-year-old Portuguese international is also interested in moving to Spotify Camp Nou next year.
Rafael Leao has transformed his career since joining AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019. The player initially struggled to stamp his authority at San Siro. But he has not looked back in the last two years and guided the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in 2021/22. And Leao has continued his fine form this term.
The 23-year-old has amassed seven goals and nine assists in 20 appearances in all competitions thus far. And Leao has also looked good for the Portuguese national side, scoring his first goal for his country on his World Cup debut. At the same time, his progress has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona.
Barcelona will likely enter the market for an offensive reinforcement again next summer. With Memphis Depay facing an uncertain future at Spotify Camp Nou, the Catalan giants need to line up a replacement. And Leao has emerged as a viable target for the Blaugrana for next summer.
But signing the 23-year-old Portuguese international will not be straightforward for Barcelona. That is because AC Milan will likely demand a nine-figure sum to part ways with him. Nonetheless, the Catalan giants have identified the player as their top target for the 2023 summer transfer window.
In addition, Leao is open to joining Barcelona as he fancies Xavi Hernandez’s project at Camp Nou. So Barcelona’s chances of signing the AC Milan talisman should be favourable, financial issues permitting. But the Blaugrana will have to fend off stiff competition from several clubs to land him.
Recent reports have claimed that Chelsea and Manchester City want to sign the 23-year-old Portuguese international in January. So it will be interesting to see if Leao joins Barcelona next summer or if some other club swoops him away instead.
