Rafael Leao is rightly regarded as one of the best left wingers in world football, and Barcelona have turned their attentions to him because they wish to acquire someone of that exact calibre.
As Calciomercato.com write, Leao has now had three seasons in a row for double figures for both goals and assists across all competitions, with only Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. clearly superior to him in the ranking of elite left wingers.
Leao is certainly the strongest player in the Milan squad (perhaps level with his friend Theo Hernandez ) and now he must work even harder to make that leap in quality, perhaps getting above 20 goals.
Paulo Fonseca meanwhile has made Leão feel important since his first day as Milan coach. He went to meet him in Portugal’s training camp during the recent European Championship, and he exchanges daily messages with the winger explain what he wants from him and how his role will change.
Rafa arrived at Milan when he was just a boy and now he has become a man who will soon become the father of twins. He does not want to leave Milan despite the many rumours about his future, including one story that Barcelona are ready to offer €60m plus counterparts.
It is a proposal that Milan have not officially received but one that they have not even considered responding to either, because they consider Leão ‘absolutely unsellable’, especially with just over a week to go until the market closes.
Milan decidedly safe about Leão’s future for two clear reasons: his contract expiring in 2028 and the fact that his €175m release clause expired at midnight on July 15. Now, Barcelona are trying to sign Federico Chiesa from Juventus.
