Barcelona Eyes Rafael Leao as Luis Diaz Transfer Talks Complicate

Jorge Mendes, one of football’s most influential agents, recently visited Barcelona to finalize Lamine Yamal’s contract extension, but the meeting opened discussions far beyond that. Alongside talks about Ansu Fati’s potential move to AS Monaco, Mendes also introduced Rafael Leao’s name into the conversation, despite not being the Portuguese forward’s official agent. Leao, currently with AC Milan, is rumored to be open to a move following hints of departure at the end of the Serie A season.

Barcelona, under coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, is actively searching for a left-winger to reduce their over-reliance on Raphinha and Yamal. Leao, with his explosive style and versatility, could be a strong fit. Although his 2024/25 performance dipped slightly—12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances—club president Joan Laporta remains a fan of his abilities. This renewed interest comes after Barcelona had previously shifted their focus to Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford.

However, negotiations for Diaz are becoming increasingly complex due to interest from Saudi club Al-Nassr, which sees him as a potential successor to Cristiano Ronaldo. Barcelona, already struggling with financial constraints and strict Financial Fair Play rules, may find Diaz’s €90 million valuation and high salary difficult to accommodate. This has reopened the door for Leao as a more attainable and potentially less expensive alternative.

As transfer market dynamics continue to shift, Barcelona may reconsider their options. While Diaz remains a top target, the club could pivot to Leao if talks stall. Mendes’ strategic involvement and strong ties with both players add another layer of intrigue to Barcelona’s evolving transfer plans ahead of the 2025/26 season.