FC Barcelona continues working in the transfer market with the intention of strengthening its squad for the next season. Joan Laporta is clear about what his main objective is.
The forward is the player who excites the blaugrana board the most, and the club is willing to do everything possible to sign him. However, the operation won't be easy, as the Italian team is asking for more than 100 million euros to let him go.
In this scenario, Barça is looking for ways to reduce the operation's cost and has found a possible solution in one of its own players. Ferran Torres could be the key to making the signing more economically viable.
Ferran Torres, the Key to Reducing the Operation's Cost
To try to lower the cost of signing Leão, Barça has proposed the possibility of including Ferran Torres in the operation. The Valencian winger is not a regular in Hansi Flick's plans, and his departure would allow for a reduction in the total transfer cost.
Milan already showed interest in Ferran Torres during the winter market, which could facilitate the agreement between both clubs. The Italian team is looking to strengthen its attack and considers that Ferran has the talent and experience necessary to fit into its offensive scheme.
From the blaugrana board, they believe that the Spanish international, with a market value close to 30 million euros, could be a key piece in the negotiations. All this, to achieve the signing of Leão without overly compromising the club's finances.
Laporta Dreams of His Star Signing
Since his arrival at Milan in 2019, Rafael Leão has established himself as one of the most unbalancing strikers in Europe. His speed, dribbling, and ability to create danger in the opponent's area have caught the attention of several big clubs. Barça is one of the most interested in acquiring his services.
Laporta sees in Leão a differential player, capable of making a difference in matches and leading the blaugrana attack alongside Lamine and Raphinha. However, the big problem remains the transfer price.
Milan has no intention of selling its star for less than 100 million euros. Something difficult to assume for a Barça that continues to face financial problems. Therefore, the inclusion of Ferran Torres in the operation is seen as a viable solution that could unlock the signing.
Ferran Torres, Heading to a New Destination
Ferran Torres arrived at Barça in January 2022, from Manchester City, in a transfer that was around 55 million euros. Although he has had brilliant moments, he has never managed to establish himself as an undisputed starter in the team.
With the arrival of Hansi Flick, his prominence has decreased even more, which has led the board to seriously consider his departure. Meanwhile, Milan already tried to sign him in winter. But Barça rejected the offer because it didn't want to part with the player mid-season.
Now, the situation has changed, and his departure seems much more feasible. Additionally, Ferran Torres would look favorably on a new adventure at a club where he could have a more important role and regain the confidence he has lost at Barça.
A Viable Operation?
Although the inclusion of Ferran Torres in the agreement could facilitate the arrival of Rafael Leão, Barça would still have to make a great economic effort to close the operation.
Despite its financial problems, the blaugrana club is exploring different ways to tackle the signing. Like selling other players or seeking new sponsors to help finance the operation.
The coming weeks will be key to seeing if Barça and Milan manage to bring their positions closer and make Laporta's dream come true. Ferran Torres could be the key to unlocking the arrival of Rafael Leão, the star signing that the blaugrana president desires with all his might.