Throughout this summer transfer window, FC Barcelona have been looking to make a statement signing. For most part of this window, the Catalans were trying to get Nico Williams to join them. However, this move is looking increasingly unlikely to materialise for them.
Still, the Blaugranes have not given up on their aim of bringing a superstar to Flick’s team. For this purpose, they have recently been linked with the AC Milan winger, Rafael Leao, who would arguably be an even bigger name than Nico Williams to strengthen the team’s attacking line.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there are three main reasons why the Catalans are trying so hard to get a big name to join their team this summer.
Firstly, after winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League double last season, Barcelona’s main rivals, Real Madrid, have further strengthened their team this summer by bringing in one of the best forwards currently, Kylian Mbappe. The Catalans believe signing Leao would help their team compete for these important titles with the Merengues.
Furthermore, Flick has already clearly asked for players who can win matches on their own, and during his time at AC Milan, Leao has proven this ability by providing 58 goals and 44 assists in 210 appearances.
Secondly, Barcelona are going to return to Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing renovations, late in 2024 or early in 2025. The Blaugranes believe they need more players than Lamine Yamal who can attract spectators to their stadium, and Leao has the media appeal required to perform this task.
Lastly, Barcelona have scheduled their next presidential elections in the second quarter of 2026. Laporta and his directors know that other potential presidential candidates are already preparing their moves, and the current administration wants to make a statement signing to remain in the spotlight.
Furthermore, the Laporta administration also understands that they cannot afford another trophyless season, with the elections so close.
Thus, they believe Leao’s signing would allow them to address all these issues. However, getting the Portuguese winger will not be easy as they would have to spend a significantly higher amount than they would have paid for Nico Williams to get him. The inclusion of some of their players in the deal with AC Milan can still make this move achievable for the Catalans.
