Barcelona Targets Rafael Leão in Ambitious Swap Deal
Barcelona is gearing up for a crucial La Liga clash against Real Sociedad at Montjuïc Stadium as they remain locked in a title race with Real Madrid, both tied at 54 points. Meanwhile, off the pitch, club president Joan Laporta is actively working on strengthening the squad ahead of the next season.
Leão: Barcelona’s Top Transfer Target
According to El Nacional, Barcelona has set its sights on AC Milan’s star forward, Rafael Leão. The Portuguese attacker is regarded as a key addition to bolster the team’s attack, but Milan’s valuation of over €100 million presents a major financial hurdle.
To ease the cost, Barcelona is considering including Ferran Torres in a swap deal. The Spanish winger has struggled for consistent game time under Hansi Flick, making him a viable trade asset. Milan had previously shown interest in Torres during the winter transfer window, which could facilitate negotiations between the two clubs.
The Appeal of Leão
Since joining Milan in 2019, Leão has established himself as one of Europe’s most dynamic forwards, known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring threat. His qualities make him a prime target for Barcelona, where he could lead the attack alongside rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
However, the deal remains complicated due to Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles. Even with Ferran Torres included, a significant cash sum would still be required to meet Milan’s demands.
Torres’ Uncertain Future
Ferran Torres arrived at Barcelona from Manchester City in January 2022 for around €55 million but has struggled to cement a starting role. Under Flick, his opportunities have diminished further, leading the club to consider moving him on.
While a Torres-Leão swap could help reduce the financial burden of the deal, Barcelona will still need to find additional resources to finalize the transfer. Laporta remains determined to bring Leão to Catalonia, but whether the club can overcome the financial challenges remains to be seen.
