Barcelona are reportedly weighing a surprising £77 million move for AC Milan’s winger Rafael Leao as they scramble to secure a high-impact signing before the summer transfer window closes, Soccernet.football understands.
This interest follows the club’s unsuccessful pursuit of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, who opted to remain at his current club for another season.
Throughout the summer, Barcelona’s financial troubles have cast a shadow over potential signings, despite President Joan Laporta’s assurances that they could manage big-money deals.
With Williams out of the picture, the Catalan giants have turned their attention to Leao, according to MundoDeportivo.
The Portugal forward has caught the eye of Laporta, especially given his connection with super-agent Jorge Mendes, a key figure at Barcelona.
Leao’s potential move comes as reports suggest that Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona in the summer, might be on his way out.
The German midfielder is reportedly unsettled after learning he is no longer guaranteed a starting spot under new coach Hansi Flick.
Gundogan’s substantial salary, around €20 million per year, is adding to the financial strain at the club, forcing Barcelona to consider offloading him.
Despite these financial challenges, Barcelona’s interest in Leao remains strong, with the Portuguese star seen as a marquee signing that could bolster both their on-field capabilities and their global profile.
However, the deal’s complexity, coupled with Leao’s high valuation, could pose significant challenges for the Blaugrana in their pursuit of the AC Milan star.