Rafael Leão loses strength in Barça's agenda for these reasons

Rafael Leão's future seems to be increasingly far from FC Barcelona. Although everything indicates that the winger will leave AC Milan, and the 'azulgrana' team continues to search for a left winger with his characteristics, the conditions surrounding his possible incorporation suggest that it would be a complex negotiation to finalize.

Firstly, it has recently emerged that the Catalan team has prioritized the signing of Luis Díaz, from Liverpool, to reinforce the left wing. Based on this, the Portuguese forward already starts with a significant 'handicap' in his possible arrival at Barça.

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Beyond this, even if the Colombian left winger were out of the equation, Leão would have to face tough competition among other candidates. This list includes names such as:

1. Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
2. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
3. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Leão to Barcelona?: A high transfer fee and performance in doubt

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Barça's interest in Rafael Leão has dropped significantly. Although it has been commented that the cost of the Portuguese player would now be lower than initially budgeted —which made him practically unattainable—, the transfer would still be very expensive: it would be around 70 million euros, being the most expensive alternative among those mentioned above.

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In turn, the media clarifies that another factor against his incorporation is the lack of consistency in his game. This is demonstrated by the statistical data: in the 2024/25 season, the Almada native recorded his lowest numbers with AC Milan, totaling 12 goals (third highest scorer) and 13 assists (leader) in 50 matches.

The Portuguese loses appeal in Barça's plans

With all this on the table, Leão seems to have stopped being as attractive a piece as he was in previous markets for Barcelona. However, it remains to be seen how the movements around his name develop, remembering that his agent is Jorge Mendes, a representative with important connections within the Catalan team. If the 'culé' club decided to take the step, that link could play a key role in the negotiation.

It is clear that, in his best version, Leão can be a decisive player: a very fast and dribbling winger. A forward who enjoys a range of top-level tactical resources that make him almost unstoppable in one-on-one situations. A player with scoring and assisting power, who would fit perfectly with what Barcelona is looking for.

However, he needs to recover that version and sustain it over time to re-enter the priority plans of the 'culé' team. A task that, as of today, seems complicated, but that —as so often in football— cannot be completely ruled out.