Barcelona received an offer to sign Portuguese star Rafael Leão, the winger from Milan, during the summer transfer window, but the deal faces hesitation within the Catalan club due to the priority of signing Colombian Luis Díaz for the same position.

Leão was a target for Barcelona in the final days of the last transfer window, but financial fair play regulations at that time prevented the deal from being completed.

This time, the club's interest in the player has diminished, even though he is celebrating his twenty-sixth birthday today, despite the fact that he would cost less than last summer when his price ranged between 80 and 100 million euros.

Although Leão has delivered impressive performances in some matches, notably against Real Madrid in the Champions League, his level has been inconsistent throughout the season, as he scored 12 goals and assisted another 12, marking his worst tally in the last four seasons with Milan.

Moreover, Barcelona's management and coaching staff led by Hans Flick emphasize the need to sign players capable of elevating the team's level and competing strongly in the Champions League, and the club does not wish to make expensive signings for players deemed as mere alternative solutions, which casts doubt on the Leão deal despite its lower cost compared to last season.