A soccer player in a red and black jersey in front of the FC Barcelona crest.

Official, Barça Has Just Closed a Very Unexpected Sale: €35M to Sign Leão

Deco has been working for weeks on planning the next transfer market

Barça's priority for the next transfer market is to incorporate a reliable winger who can give Lamine Yamal and Raphinha a rest. Both players are key pieces in Hansi Flick's scheme, but their high minutes load worries the coaching staff. Therefore, the management considers it essential to strengthen the wings with a player who allows better management of the efforts of the two attacking stars.

Football players in green uniforms on the field during a match.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha | @FCBarcelona

The club's intention is to sign a proven player who can be a starter in certain matches and allow both to arrive fresh at the most decisive moments of the season. Therefore, Deco is clear that this reinforcement is a priority and is already working on finding the best option for the team.

Rafael Leão and Luis Díaz, the Names That Excite the Most

In this regard, within Barça's management, there are two names that generate consensus: Rafael Leão and Luis Díaz. The Portuguese forward from Milan is Joan Laporta's favorite, who believes that his explosiveness, dribbling, and scoring ability fit perfectly with the profile being sought. Leão has been one of the most unbalancing players in Serie A in recent years, and his youth makes him an attractive investment for the future.

Football player wearing AC Milan shirt celebrating on the pitch.
Rafael Leão at Milan | @iamrafaeleao93

Meanwhile, Deco prefers Luis Díaz, a winger from Liverpool. The Colombian is a player who is highly regarded for his intensity, defensive work, and ability to create danger in one-on-one situations. Additionally, his experience in a top European team makes him a reliable signing.

Barça Has to Sell First

The main obstacle to acquiring a top-level winger is La Liga's salary cap. Barça continues to have problems even after reaching the 1:1 ratio and won't be able to afford a signing of this magnitude without making several sales. Both Rafael Leão and Luis Díaz have long contracts with their respective clubs and high salaries, which will force the blaugrana club to make adjustments to the squad.

One of the players who could be sacrificed to balance the books is Ferran Torres. The Valencian forward is not indispensable, and his departure would free up salary space. Additionally, his transfer would generate income that would facilitate the operation for one of the wingers desired by the club.

The Club Values Him at 35M

Despite Ferran Torres accumulating 11 goals in just 1,100 minutes, the management believes that the arrival of Leão or Luis Díaz would represent a quality leap. The club has already set a price for his departure, and according to 'El Nacional', his valuation is set at 35M euros. That figure would allow Barça to gain room to maneuver in the market and strengthen the squad with one of the desired wingers.

A player celebrates a goal in a stadium full of spectators, while making a shushing gesture with his finger on his lips, surrounded by teammates.
Ferran Torres celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona

Ferran Torres has performed notably when given opportunities, but at Barça, they consider that he is not a differential player and that his transfer would be beneficial. Everything will depend on the offers that come in and the club's ability to close the incorporation of the winger they so desire. What is clear is that Barça is preparing for a busy and strategic market, with the ambition to continue growing with Flick.