The 23-year-old Rafael Leao, a Portuguese international player, has apparently being targeted by La Liga powerhouse Barcelona
Barcelona Transfer News: Fichajes, a Spanish news website, claims that Rafael Leao is one of Barcelona’s top transfer targets for the upcoming summer of 2023. Next year, the 23-year-old Portuguese international is also considering a move to Spotify Camp Nou.
In August 2019, Rafael Leao made the move to AC Milan from LOSC Lille, and his career has blossomed ever since. As a newcomer at San Siro, the footballer had trouble asserting himself at first. But in the previous two years, he has been unstoppable, leading Rossoneri to a Serie A championship in 2021/22. Leao has maintained his stellar performance from last season.
As of now, the 23-year-old has made 20 total appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting on nine more. Leao has also impressed with the Portuguese national team in this tournament. He scored his country’s first goal on his World Cup debut. Barcelona is just one of many major teams who have taken notice of his development.
Barcelona will most likely look for an attacking reinforcement once again during the next summer transfer window. The future of Memphis Depay at Spotify Camp Nou is unclear, therefore the Catalan giants will need to find a successor. Leao is now a realistic option for Blaugrana to pursue in the summer of 2023.
However, it won’t be easy for Barcelona to get the 23-year-old Portuguese international. The reason is, AC Milan will likely want a nine-figure payment to release him. But the Catalan giants have made him their primary priority during the 2023 summer transfer window.
Leao is willing to move to Barcelona because he likes Xavi Hernandez’s plan for the club. With that in mind, if money isn’t an issue, Barcelona has a good shot at signing AC Milan’s star player. To sign him, however, the Blaugrana will have to fend off offers from several other clubs.
The 23-year-old Portuguese international is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea and Manchester City this January. Whoever signs Leao next summer, Barcelona or another club will have a big decision to make.
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