FC Barcelona keep working quietly but with great determination to shape their squad for the 2025/26 season. Joan Laporta, together with sporting director Deco, has designed an ambitious strategy that could revolutionize the blaugrana attack... The culé president has put a striking proposal on the table: a direct swap between Ronald Araujo and Rafael Leao.
The Uruguayan center-back, one of the defensive pillars of the team in recent years, could head to Serie A to become the new leader of Milan's backline. Araujo is a highly valued profile by the Rossoneri, both for his physical prowess and his leadership ability in the defensive line... The footballer, who has had some doubts about his future, would welcome a new chapter at a European giant.
Meanwhile, Laporta's great desire remains Rafael Leao, the Portuguese forward has been on the culé president's wish list for some time. His profile fits perfectly into the new sporting project Barça are building. With flair, speed, goals, and youth, Leao is considered one of the top attacking talents in European soccer, and the dream of wearing the blaugrana jersey isn't new for him.
Mendes wants him in Barcelona
The Portuguese striker, represented by Jorge Mendes, has shown his desire to leave Milan on several occasions. He believes he has completed a cycle at San Siro and would be very open to a move to LaLiga, especially to FC Barcelona. His entourage has already held informal talks with the Catalan club's sporting management, and the feelings are very positive.
Deco is already working on a proposal that could convince both Milan and the player himself. The swap with Araujo would allow Barça to avoid a high financial outlay, which is key considering the Financial Fair Play restrictions. In addition, it would free up salary space and make a major impact in the summer market.
Dynamite in attack
Rafael Leao would arrive to strengthen an attack that promises to be one of the most fearsome in Europe. With players like Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Ansu Fati, or the young Pau Víctor, Barça would have top-level alternatives. If Robert Lewandowski stays for another year, the blaugrana front line would become one of the most powerful on the continent.
From Camp Nou, they don't rule out that this swap could be closed before the start of preseason. Although the operation isn't simple, both parties are willing to negotiate and the mutual interest could speed up talks. Laporta believes Leao would be a strategic addition, both in sporting and media terms.
Milan, meanwhile, need to shore up their defense after the departure of key figures and see Araujo as an unbeatable opportunity. In addition, the arrival of the Uruguayan would bring character and hierarchy to the Italian locker room. Everything seems to be aligning for this swap to take shape in the coming weeks.