As Barcelona eyes reinforcements for its left-wing, one identify stands out: Rafael Leao, the dynamic Portuguese ahead from AC Milan. Whereas Leao has expressed his happiness at Milan, his expertise and rising repute proceed to draw suitors, together with the Catalan giants. However will Barcelona’s admiration translate right into a switch?
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has lengthy been a fan of Rafael Leao. In line with experiences from Sport, Laporta believes the 25-year-old’s explosive expertise would improve the Blaugrana’s profile and on-field efficiency.
The Portuguese winger’s agent, Jorge Mendes, maintains a powerful relationship with Laporta, additional fueling hypothesis a few potential transfer. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s pursuit faces vital hurdles. Milan values Leao at €90 million, a determine that would show difficult for the Catalan big, given their ongoing monetary constraints.
Star at Milan regardless of Rashford’s potential transfer
Leao has been an important participant for AC Milan since his arrival in 2019. Below the steering of his new supervisor, Sergio Conceicao, Leao has flourished, delivering game-changing performances, and his standout show within the Tremendous Cup towards Inter. Regardless of these flashes of brilliance, the participant’s consistency has been a degree of rivalry. Milan followers and administration alike have referred to as for him to carry out at his peak extra repeatedly.
What’s extra, AC Milan is reportedly exploring a possible mortgage deal for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. With Rashford expressing a need for a “new problem” and being overlooked of a number of matchday squads, his representatives have initiated discussions with the Italian membership. A Rashford-Leao mixture might bolster Milan’s assault, providing a mixture of explosiveness and tactical adaptability.
Whereas Laporta is keen to convey the Portuguese to Camp Nou, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has reservations. Flick reportedly doesn’t see Leao as the perfect profile for his system, Sport provides. The German supervisor values a stability between assault and protection and worries that Leao’s fashion—efficient in open areas however much less so towards organized defenses—won’t align with Barcelona’s tactical wants. Flick has emphasised the defensive duties required for the position, particularly with Lamine Yamal, a extremely offensive expertise, already dominating the correct flank.
What did Leao say about his future?
Regardless of the swirling rumors, Leao stays dedicated to AC Milan, the place his contract runs till 2028. In a candid interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he expressed his loyalty to the membership: “After I arrived right here, I used to be already a fan of Milan, the group the place many vital gamers I admired as a baby handed by way of. I instantly understood the eagerness of the followers and what it meant to put on this shirt.”
He added: “I see myself right here, additionally sooner or later… I assumed I needed to remain right here for years and win trophies. Now I simply need to thank those that introduced me to Milan and helped me enhance as a participant and particular person. I take into consideration [the Ballon d’Or], however I choose the Champions League. Collective success motivates me extra.”
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