Barcelona turn to Man Utd star after being given 'no chance' of Leao transfer

Suraj Radia

22 Aug 2024 16:00 BST
4 min read

Barcelona could turn to Manchester United to solve their winger crisis after being told that their initial target has ‘no chance’ of leaving his club.

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The La Liga side are still continuing to battle financial restrictions, which has so far left them unable to register their sole new signing this summer in Dani Olmo.

Despite Ilkay Gundogan agreeing a return to Manchester City and Vitor Roque in talks to join Real Betis on loan, it would take another departure before Barca could register their €55 million midfielder.

EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd loan move for Ugarte set to be finalised

However, even with their struggles, Barca are still seemingly determined to sign another player, with a left winger the priority after failing to afford the €60 million release clause of Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams.

Reports in Spain had claimed that Barca were also interested in Rafael Leao but Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has ruled out a departure for the Portuguese star this summer.

“Rafa Leão will NOT leave AC Milan this summer,” Furlani told El Chiringuito. “Barcelona move? No chance. No way. He’s not leaving the club. 100%. If Rafa asks to leave? He’s not gonna ask to leave the club. I think my message is quite clear, no?”

© IMAGO - Jadon Sancho could leave Man Utd this summer.

Barca turn attention to Sancho

With moves for Leao and Williams seemingly dead in the water, Barca will likely focus on more affordable targets or loan moves, and SPORT have claimed Jadon Sancho could be one of the wingers targeted.

The 24-year-old is back in United’s squad after clearing the air with Erik ten Hag following his loan spell at Dortmund, however Sancho failed to see the pitch in the club’s opening Premier League game against Fulham.

United are willing to cash in on Sancho for around €40m but, despite interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, no clubs have been willing to make a formal approach for the forward.

There is a belief that Sancho could leave Old Trafford on loan before the end of the month and SPORT report that the player is ‘on the table’ of Barca director Deco, with the Catalan side considering the Englishman a ‘good option’.

Current ETV

Jadon Sancho

M (RL), AM (L)

Man Utd

Jadon Sancho

M (RL), AM (L)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€31.2M - €52M

However, Sancho’s salary is ‘very high’ and would likely need to be paid in full in order to convince United to part ways with him – something that Barca may struggle to do, considering their troubles registering Olmo already.

Federico Chiesa is also being considered after being told he can leave Juventus but it appears any new arrival cannot be sanctioned until Barca first making a sale and being able to register Olmo.