Barcelona admire €60m-rated Portuguese forward but no immediate move planned – report | OneFootball

According to journalist Jose Alvarez, FC Barcelona are not actively pursuing a summer transfer for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, despite the Portuguese star holding immense appeal among the Catalan club’s hierarchy.

The winger has long been monitored by senior officials at the Spotify Camp Nou due to his spectacular, game-changing attributes. Club president Joan Laporta, in particular, remains a big admirer.

However, the journalist confirms that a high-profile move for the Serie A talisman is currently not being considered as a priority for this transfer window.

An option on the table, nothing more

The 27-year-old Milan forward remains an option that is always on the table for Barcelona’s sporting department.

Barcelona continue to admire Rafael Leao. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

With the club, Leao continues to be regarded highly due to his explosive pace, physical dominance, and ability in 1v1 situations.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s technical staff believe that any downsides to Leao’s game, such as his occasional lack of defensive tracking, could be comfortably mitigated under the rigorous, high-pressing tactical framework of manager Hansi Flick.

Given this admiration, Barcelona recently even enquired about the conditions for signing the Portuguese international from AC Milan, who are open to his departure for a fee of around €60 million this summer.

Despite this, the La Liga champions are keeping the player at arm’s length for the time being and are not considering any move.

Other priorities

Not a priority. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

The primary roadblock stems from strategic planning and financial allocation. Having recently returned to La Liga’s strict 1:1 financial fair play spending rule, sporting director Deco is prioritising other positions, particularly a direct move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.

With Anthony Gordon already signed to strengthen the left flank and a move for Alvarez in the works, the Blaugrana cannot justify another major spend on the acquisition of the Portuguese international.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are keeping an eye on market alternatives as part of their transfer protocol for the summer.

A sensational swoop for the Portuguese international is firmly on the back burner for now, but things could shift depending on how things unfold in the coming weeks.