Undoubtedly, FC Barcelona have a strong squad that is prepared to compete for each and every single title this season. While success is never guaranteed, Hansi Flick’s team has shown so far that they are up for the challenge. Still, there is always some room for improvement, even at Barcelona.
While it is still too early to make a final decision about future transfers, it is never too early to shortlist potential targets in order to specify the search for specific profiles and to highlight them beforehand when entering any transfer window. Moreover, with Barcelona especially, it is perhaps even more important to be methodical in their transfer pursuits.
For the next summer, one of the objectives for Barça is to reportedly sign a top-level forward who can raise the overall quality of the squad. For now, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, there are two European stars who are eager to join Barcelona themselves and the club is now looking into the possibilities of their respective potent signings.
One of the two players is Rafael Leao, the 25-year-old star winger for Italian giants AC Milan. The Portuguese winger, whose profile is preferred by Barcelona over the second option in the report, is a player who mixes physicality with speed and flair. His dynamism as a player, coupled with his creativity, is something that the Catalan club believes is exactly what they need.
Moreover, after having spent six seasons at AC Milan and with his own relationships with the management reportedly now being strained, as per MD, Leao sees Barcelona as an exciting project.
With the club’s sporting project, as well as their overall future with the new stadium being built and the global appeal that Barça offers, Leao would be more than willing to come to Catalonia.
However, with a long-term contract still in place with AC Milan, he will undoubtedly be an expensive acquisition who will be seen as a star signing if he ends up arriving. At the moment, the Italian side reportedly values him at €80 million, a figure that will definitely test Barça’s willingness to bring him in.
The other name being highlighted by MD is that of Jonathan David, a 24-year-old Canadian striker who plays for French side Lille in Ligue 1. His name being on this list makes obvious sense, as the player has already publicly expressed his desire to join Barcelona and the fact that he has always supported the club.
Moreover, with him expected to become a free agent in the summer of 2025, Barcelona could acquire him for much cheaper compared to Leao. While signing bonuses will definitely have to be taken into account, David has proven himself to be a capable goalscorer and a player who many European teams want to sign.
However, according to MD, the signing of either player will likely depend on how the season ends. In case Barcelona dominates and ends up with a successful campaign, perhaps the need for a star signing will not be felt as badly as it would in the scenario that La Blaugrana end up disappointing and they need a way to stir up hope within the fanbase heading into the next campaign.