Jorge Mendes, one of the most influential agents in international soccer, maintains an excellent relationship with Joan Laporta. This good rapport has led them to work together on several fronts to strengthen the team. Thus, one of the key issues they are addressing is the renewal of Lamine Yamal.
The forward is expected to be one of Barça's future stars, and the intention is to secure his long-term future. Lamine is expected to sign a new contract that will tie him to the club until 2030, when he turns 18. This renewal would ensure his continuity at the culé club for many years.
The signing of Rafael Leão
In addition to Lamine's renewal, Mendes and Laporta are working on another key signing for the club's future: Rafa Leão. The Portuguese agent is making efforts to reduce the price that Milan has set for his transfer, which exceeds 100 million euros.
Mendes's intention is to find a solution that allows Barça to sign Leão at a more accessible price, an operation that would be key. The relationship between Mendes and Laporta could facilitate the negotiation, and Barça is already working on it with summer in mind.
Laporta asks for a last-minute favor
Additionally, in parallel to these long-term projects, Laporta has requested a more immediate favor from Mendes in the winter market. According to "El Nacional.cat," the Barça president has asked the Portuguese agent to find an exit for Ansu Fati in the last days of this market. The young striker, despite his talent, has seen his role in the first team reduced under Hansi Flick.
With the club looking to free up space to make new additions, Ansu's departure could be key to making room in the squad for a last-minute loan. Fati's future at Barça is hanging in the air, and his exit could be an option for the club to secure a signing.
Barça needs it to sign in these last days of the market
Ansu Fati's departure is crucial for Barcelona to carry out the loan of Marcus Rashford. Barça intends to bring in the experienced English forward from Manchester United, but for this to be possible, they need to free up at least one spot in the squad. Ansu's departure, despite the player's resistance to leaving the club, would be an effective way to make space.
Barça needs to meet financial and squad requirements to finalize Rashford's loan. In this regard, Jorge Mendes's intervention and his ability to find an exit for Ansu Fati could facilitate this crucial operation for the second half of the season.