Despite their obvious financial issues, and their constant registration drama, neither have ever got in the way of Barcelona President Joan Laporta attempting a flashy signing in the summer. One of the players he likes most for the coming summer is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.
Laporta is a big fan of his, and believes that signing Leao would provide a boost in terms of profile and reputation. Although his consistency is in doubt, his talent is beyond it, and at his best he can be unstoppable. The fact that Jorge Mendes represents Leao, and shares a close relationship with Laporta is an important factor, and that alone will put him high on their shortlist say Sport.
However the Barcelona staff are not of the same mind. While they acknowledge that Leao is lethal in space with the ball at his feet, and on the counter, his game beyond that gives them doubts. One section of the scouting reports on him has also been highlighted, the fact that he does not have much of a defensive work-rate, and there also doubts about his ability when facing packed defences, something Barcelona often have to deal with.
Barcelona will not be able to count on Héctor Fort on January 15th for the Copa del Rey game against Real Betis. The full-back has been called up by Spain U19 for a friendly game against Italy U19, which will be played on the same day. @sport
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 10, 2025
The fact Lamine Yamal is on the other flank is another con when looking at Leao too – they are delighted with the 17-year-old, but is not naturally given to defending either, and the idea of having both of them in the side would potentially unbalance the team. Overall, they feel there are other options in the position that would better suit Barcelona.
Perhaps the biggest issue is his price tag. Even taking into account Barcelona’s relationship with Mendes, the Catalan daily note that it is ‘very unlikely’ that Milan accept an offer below €90m for Leao.
Leao is no longer an emerging talent, and as he moves into the peak of his career, it is understandable that there are doubts over whether he will develop some of the gaps in his game. Raphinha has been used more inside than on the left flank this season, but his defensive work-rate is not to be underestimated when considering his contribution.
90mil? They can barely register players. What is this fantasy football?
Need to pull some more levers.
Barca are no longer “broke”. they’re back to 1:1 rule which means they can now operate like another club in the market without worrying about registering players. The Dany Olmo situation is due to them missing the deadline, it’s not because of finances. The days of Barca pulling leavers to sign players is over.
Except they still are broke, but keep lying to yourself.
Olmo registration was made possible by selling off future income, not by saved assets or prize money.
Sort of like loaning to pay your bills. Sort of like insanity.
Leao is better than Ferran Torres, Raphinha & Ansu Fati. But if Barca like to do what they have been doing by keeping ineffective players like Torres, Fati & co then let them be. I’m not happy with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco. He is doing nothing over there.
Sell some grasses from camp nou to fund the transfer fees and that of registration broke-alona