Barça has already defined its roadmap for the upcoming transfer window, and the priority is to sign a left winger. Hansi Flick wants to strengthen the flanks, especially the left side. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, the team needs more options on the wing to have tactical alternatives throughout the match.
The coaching staff considers it essential to have more competition. Not only to give the current starters a rest, but also to have impact substitutes from the bench who can change the course of matches. The season has shown that Barça lack pure difference-makers on the wings when matches get stuck, and that gap on the left has become a necessity.
Bayern also wants a winger
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have also included the left winger position among their priorities for this window. The Bavarian club, which has finished a season below its expectations, plans a small revolution in its squad and considers it essential to add a difference-maker on that flank.
This coincidence could lead to direct competition between Barça and Bayern. Therefore, the names that start to emerge in the market as options will be closely followed by both European giants. The battle is on.
Rafael Leao, the name everyone likes
According to El Nacional, Bayern's main target to strengthen that position would be Rafael Leao, current Milan player. The Portuguese international has shined in Serie A and has been on the radar of major European clubs for some time. His speed, physical power, and ability to break lines make him a desired signing for any elite team.
Interestingly, Leao has also been closely followed by Barça over the past two years. At different times, his name has appeared in the reports of the blaugrana technical department as an ideal option to take a qualitative leap in attack. However, his high cost has always been a considerable barrier for a club that is still navigating financial fair play restrictions.
Jorge Mendes insists: he wants Leao at Barça
Rafael Leao's agent, Jorge Mendes, is playing his usual role. According to the same reports, Mendes prefers his client to sign for Barça rather than Bayern. He has an excellent relationship with Joan Laporta, with whom he has closed several deals in recent years, and he is pushing for the culé club to prioritize this signing.
Leao, in fact, is one of Barça president's favorite players. Laporta dreams of seeing him in blaugrana, but he is aware that, at this moment, the deal is out of the club's financial reach. Despite the shared desire of Laporta, Jorge Mendes, and the player, the high price set by Milan means that, for now, his arrival is unlikely.