Barcelona keeping tabs on Rafael Leao amid ongoing conflict with his manager | OneFootball

During the last summer transfer window, FC Barcelona made a significant effort to sign a left winger, particularly Nico Williams, though they were ultimately unsuccessful.

While the inability to add a left winger to their team hasn’t impacted their season significantly, with Raphinha performing at a very high level, the Blaugrana are reportedly preparing to pursue a left-wing signing next summer as well.

However, Nico Williams will not be their only target for this position, as several other top-class players have also been linked with the Blaugranes recently. According to SPORT, one such player has been the AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, whose situation Barcelona are closely monitoring.

The Portuguese winger is going through a difficult period at the Italian club, as he is reportedly engaged in a conflict with the new manager, Paulo Fonseca. Although the coach tried to calm down speculation about a possible conflict, he started the big game against Napoli on the bench, and his situation is not expected to change any time soon.

Meanwhile, the player is growing weary at Milan, and his market value is also declining. Barcelona are exploring whether they could secure him for a reasonable price next summer. The Portuguese winger may especially consider a change of scenery if Fonseca remains Milan’s coach long-term.

Both Deco and Joan Laporta see Leao as a differential player, but his price can end up being a barrier to any possible pursuit of the player. The Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes can also be helpful for the club in such an operation, even though he does not represent him.

Barcelona already tried to approach him through Mendes in the last summer transfer window, but their low salary limit made it impossible for them to pursue this operation with more conviction. But for now, it remains to be seen how his future pans out at Milan, and whether Barcelona will make a move for him next summer.