Joan Laporta had clearly defined his roadmap for the summer. Barça president, convinced of the team's potential, wanted to further raise the level with a couple of strategic signings. Hansi Flick, meanwhile, hasn't hesitated to express that the attack needs more depth.
Since he took charge, the German coach has insisted on the importance of strengthening the offensive front. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as regular starters, Barça is looking for a profile that can compete with both and bring freshness at key moments.
Lamine and Raphinha will be key | @FCBarcelona
The winger, an urgent priority
Laporta understood that if the club wants to stay competitive in Europe, it needs reliable replacements. That's why, in his conversations with Deco, he made it clear that the priority had to be a versatile winger, with experience and the ability to make a difference from the very first minute.
In the current market, few profiles met those requirements without requiring astronomical investments. Several names were considered, including some like Marcus Rashford, but the Englishman's cost turned out to be disproportionate for the club's current financial situation.
Marcus Rashford offers himself to Barça | @marcusrashford
Ansu Fati's departure was seen as a necessary step to activate new operations. The young winger, who hasn't managed to establish himself in the first team, is close to signing for Monaco. His transfer would allow Barça to bring in nearly €20 million.
That money, along with other moves that Laporta and Deco plan to carry out, was intended to address an operation that excited the entire blaugrana environment. The player in question was considered the perfect piece to complete Flick's offensive puzzle.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
Flick wants him, Laporta dreams of him
From a sporting point of view, he fit perfectly. Fast, technical, a goal scorer and with experience on big stages. In addition, he could play on both wings, which made him a very valuable option for the German coach.
Talks with his camp had already begun. The player was open to landing at Camp Nou, and the sporting management was seriously considering the operation. Everything seemed to be heading toward a high-impact signing.
Joan Laporta | @FCBarcelona_es
But in the midst of those negotiations, a new player appeared strongly. Bayern Munich, in the middle of a rebuild, had also identified the same player as a priority. Their sporting management didn't hesitate and presented a superior offer, both financially and in sporting terms.
The German club, needing to revitalize their attack, promised the footballer an immediate leading role. In addition, their financial stability allows them to take on major operations without needing to sell first. In this scenario, Barça started at a disadvantage.
Laporta doesn't give up, but he knows the reality
Joan Laporta didn't give up. He kept pushing, looking for creative solutions and trying to convince the player that Camp Nou is the best destination. Even Flick got involved in the operation, highlighting the role he would have within his system.
Despite the effort, reality is stubborn, and in the culé environment it's already taken for granted that the signing won't happen. The Bavarian club has moved too far ahead and the player seems determined to accept their proposal. At Barça, only resignation remains.
Rafael Leão with AC Milan | @iamrafaeleao93
It wasn't Marcus Rashford, nor any emerging talent from LaLiga. The name Joan Laporta dreamed of announcing was Rafael Leao. The AC Milan winger was his star signing, his big bet. But this time, fate will lead him to wear another jersey: Bayern Munich's.
