Leao’s Milan future uncertain amid potential Barcelona swap deal

Milan's Rafael Leao reactsafter scoring the goal during the Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 31 August 2024. EPA-EFE/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI

Reports in Italy claim Rafael Leao’s future at Milan is uncertain with Barcelona interested in the Portuguese winger.

Leao, Milan’s highest earner, has started three Serie A games from nine on the bench this season, including the most recent ones against Udinese and Napoli.

Tuttosport notes that Leao’s poor relationship with his compatriot Paulo Fonseca is no longer a secret, but the situation must be solved – one way or another – over the next few months.

Both Tuttosport and Gazzetta confirm Barcelona’s interest in the Milan star, although the Catalans are not considering matching Leao’s €175m clause—nor can they afford it.

Leao’s Milan future uncertain amid potential swap deal with Barcelona

Rafael Leao celebrates after a Milan goal against Parma in Serie A (GETTY)

As per Gazzetta, Barcelona could offer Ansu Fati in a player-plus-cash swap deal in the January transfer window, but negotiations between the two clubs haven’t even started at this stage.

The pink paper adds that Barça’s poor financial situation makes it difficult to imagine a significant investment in Leao in the winter transfer window.

Milan will visit Monza on Saturday, and Leao is expected to return to the starting XI.

 

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper printed edition, Friday November 1, 2024, page 10