La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly tracking the situation of 25-year-old mercurial Portuguese attacker Rafael Leao at Serie A club AC Milan.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Rafael Leao is the subject of interest from FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for a wide attacker ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Ferran Torres. So, the 25-year-old AC Milan winger has emerged as a target for the Blaugrana.
The Rafael Leao story
Rafael Leao has been one of the best attackers in Serie A since joining AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019. The player was a highly-rated prospect during his spells with Sporting CP and LOSC Lille, and he has realised his tremendous potential at AC Milan.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in AC Milan’s Serie A title triumph a few seasons ago but has been mercurial in the last two campaigns. Leao has not been at his best thus far this term, managing a paltry tally of one goal and four assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.
In addition, Leao has lost his spot as the undisputed first-choice starter, with his relationship with Paulo Fonseca not at its healthiest. Nevertheless, the Portuguese international’s stock in the market remains high, with several high-profile clubs across Europe setting their sights on him. Barcelona will be one of his prospective suitors next year.
La Liga move on the horizon?
Rafael Leao has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time. Widespread reports in the summer transfer window linked the AC Milan attacker with the Blaugrana before the move failed to see the light of day. The continued interest in Leao is understandable, considering his potential.
With Ferran Torres facing an uncertain future at the Catalan club, they must sign a replacement in the 2025 summer transfer window. So, several candidates have emerged on Barcelona’s radar, with Leao also a viable target.
The 25-year-old Portuguese international could form a formidable offensive partnership with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal. However, Leao will not come cheap, with his contract with AC Milan having a nine-figure release clause. So, it will be interesting to see if the mercurial forward joins Barcelona next year.
