Barcelona’s search for a top-tier left-winger has led them to AC Milan’s star, Rafael Leao. The Portuguese attacker, whose contract with Milan runs until June 30, 2028, has long been on the Blaugrana’s radar. However, 2025 could be the year they make their move, according to recent reports from Calciomercato.
Leao has emerged as the primary alternative to Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao talent valued at over 100 million euros. Barcelona’s new coach, Hansi Flick, has requested a quality player for the left attacking position to complement Yamal and Lewandowski, potentially forming an explosive trident.
While Leao tops the list, bringing him to Spain is far from straightforward. The first hurdle is the price tag, reportedly set at 75 million euros – still more economical than Williams. The second challenge lies in Barcelona’s ongoing struggle to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play salary cap, which may force them to part ways with Dani Olmo in the coming weeks.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has enlisted the services of powerful agent Jorge Mendes, known for making the impossible possible in the transfer market.
However, AC Milan’s stance complicates matters further. The Italian club considers Leao central to their project and is not entertaining the idea of his departure. The Portuguese forward, who became the highest-paid player in Milan’s squad following his contract renewal in June 2023 with a net salary of around 7 million euros per season, is deemed untouchable.
Milan would only consider letting Leao go if a club were willing to trigger his release clause, set at a staggering 175 million euros – a figure that seems nearly impossible to meet in the current market.
