Barcelona staff have asked Joan Laporta not to sign €90m rated star over work-rate concerns: Reports

According to SPORT, Barcelona staff have warned club president Joan Laporta not to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. Leao has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants since last summer, as Hansi Flick is keen to strengthen his attacking options.

Rafael Leao joined AC Milan from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2019. Since moving to San Siro, the Portuguese winger has seen his stock rise. He played a crucial role in I Rossoneri's Serie A triumph in the 2021-22 season. The 25-year-old has continued to be a key player for the club in the ongoing season with six goals and seven assists in 23 games across competitions.

While Leao may not score frequently, Barcelona are aware of the quality that he brings to the team and have been monitoring him for a while. Joan Laporta, in particular, is keen to bring Rafael Leao to Barcelona this summer. While Laporta might have thrown Leao's name into the hat at Barca, the AC Milan man doesn't generate consensus at the club.

La Blaugrana's coaching staff appreciates Leao's quality but have reservations about him. Their internal feeling is that the Portuguese winger doesn't involve himself in defensive duties, that is when it comes to helping the full-back. Also, there are doubts about his ability against low-block teams — a problem Barcelona have struggled with in recent times.

To this end, the coaching staff believes that other players could contribute more.

While Rafael Leao's current market value is €75 million (as per Transfermarkt), AC Milan reportedly value the winger at €90 million.

"I see myself here" - Barcelona target Rafael Leao opens up on his future

Amid the reports that Barcelona are interested in signing Rafael Leao, the player has opened up about his future.

In what will come as a harsh note to Laporta and other La Blaugrana fans who would have loved to see Leao at Barca, the Portuguese winger has poured cold water on speculation about this exit from Milan.

Leao told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Mundo Deportivo):

"I see myself here, also in the future."

Leao has stood out for Milan in a couple of matches this season. The 25-year-old has either scored or assisted in I Rossoneri's last three games in the UEFA Champions League. His display against Real Madrid is still remembered, as he got an assist in the side's trashing (3-1) of Los Blancos at Santiago Bernabeu on November 5, 2024.

He also impressed in the Italian Super Cup final against Inter Milan, played in Riyadh on Monday (January 6). AC Milan won 3-2 while Leao registered a crucial assist.

When Leao was asked about the possibility of winning the Ballon d'Or one day, he said:

"I think about it, but I prefer the Champions League."