Barcelona may look to repeat the loan strategy they used to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United in order to bring Rafael Leao to the Camp Nou. The Catalan club frustrated Manchester United by not triggering Rashford's £26 million option-to-buy clause after a season-long loan, and now they could apply a similar approach to acquire the AC Milan winger.
Leao's Expected Departure from Milan
Rafael Leao is expected to leave AC Milan this summer, with Manchester United among a long list of clubs linked with his signature. The Portuguese winger revealed in May that he wishes to depart Milan after seven years at the San Siro, having scored 80 goals and provided 65 assists in 291 matches. The Italian side have since appointed former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, whose reliance on wing-backs means Leao does not fit into his tactical plans. As a result, the 27-year-old is likely to find a new club, with his reduced price tag of £51 million attracting suitors.
Barcelona's Interest and Financial Constraints
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona have enquired about Leao's situation, following club president Joan Laporta's long-running interest in the player. Leao has also been offered to Barcelona by his agent several times in the past. However, while he would bolster Hansi Flick's attacking options, the left wing position is not a priority for the La Liga champions. Barcelona are already well covered on the left, with Raphinha and the recently signed Anthony Gordon, who joined for £70 million. The Gordon deal was struck after Barcelona decided not to exercise Rashford's option-to-buy clause, following his successful loan spell.
Potential Loan Deal for Leao
Barcelona are similarly unlikely to want to sign Leao permanently, given his fee and the fact that striker Julian Alvarez is their top priority. However, they could be open to market opportunities that present themselves, similar to Rashford's initial loan move. Leao's contract expires in two years, and he might be available on a loan deal if no other club is willing to meet Milan's valuation. The only sticking point is that Milan may prefer a loan with an obligation to buy clause, to avoid the situation Manchester United faced with Rashford this summer.
Interest from Other Clubs
Leao's future is expected to be resolved in the coming weeks, with the winger set to shift his focus back to club football after Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup by Spain. Several other Premier League clubs and Saudi Pro League sides are also reportedly interested in the winger.
