Barcelona executives are monitoring Milan's talented striker Rafael Leao. The Portuguese is having a tough time this season and seems to have lost the starting role, due to his difficult relationship with coach Paulo Fonseca. It seems that the attacker cannot find a common language with the coach. In this situation, the value of Leao's card is decreasing and Barcelona wants to take advantage of the situation. President Joan Laporta and the board have targeted the player before, when the transfer of Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao fell through.
Leao has a contract with the club until 2028, following the renewal he signed last summer. Also, the player does not have a clause for breaking the agreement with Milan in his contract. This will make it more difficult for Barcelona, or any other club looking to secure the services of the Portuguese. Meanwhile, the coach of Milan, Paulo Fonseca, has clarified the situation regarding Leao, excluding personal problems, and placing emphasis on the striker's performance:
"There is no conflict between me and Leao. I decide as a coach and all players must give their best. I don't have to beg anyone to do their best. Leao entered the field with the right attitude against Napoli and I have nothing more to say."
We remember that Leao started the challenge against Napoli from the bench and it seems that the same situation will continue. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, as well as the club's sporting director Deco, see the player as very important in the future plans for the attack. Super agent Jorge Mendes, although he does not represent the player directly, is said to have a great influence on him. Mendes has been trying to bring Leao to Barcelona for a long time now. It remains to be seen whether the transfer will become a reality.
