Barcelona is said to be closing in on a high-profile summer signing, with reports suggesting a verbal agreement is in place to land a star player from Serie A. Although the name hasn’t been officially confirmed, speculation heavily points toward AC Milan’s Rafael Leão.
The Portuguese winger has been a key figure at Milan since 2019, registering 41 goals and 29 assists in 162 appearances. Known for his blistering pace and flair, Leão would be a natural fit for Barcelona’s left flank and could offer a significant boost to their attacking options.
However, the transfer won’t be easy. Leão recently renewed his Milan contract until 2028, which includes a massive €175 million release clause. Given Barcelona’s financial challenges, they’re reportedly preparing a much lower offer—around €80 million. Although this is well below the clause, Leão’s agent is said to be advocating for the move, which could influence negotiations.
Leão’s stats back his value, with 79 successful dribbles out of 157 attempts last season. His qualities arguably outshine other wingers linked to Barça, such as Nico Williams, making him a top priority.
Still, the club faces major financial hurdles. La Liga’s salary cap regulations and Barcelona’s current budget constraints mean any deal would require creative financing. Despite this, the pursuit of Leão shows the club’s intent to build a stronger squad ahead of next season.
As the summer transfer window nears, this potential deal remains one of the most closely watched stories. If Leão expresses a desire to leave or Milan becomes open to negotiation, momentum toward a move to Camp Nou could grow.
