<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>&nbsp;is reportedly working on a surprising transfer operation that could bring&nbsp;Rafael Leao, Milan’s star winger, to Camp Nou. The Catalan giants, long admirers of the Portuguese international, are considering a bold swap deal to secure his signature next summer.



The Blaugrana’s interest in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rafael-leao/">Leao</a> has intensified following&nbsp;initial positive discussions&nbsp;between club representatives and the player’s agent,&nbsp;Jorge Mendes, in late 2024. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/milan/">Milan</a>‘s steadfast valuation of the player at&nbsp;€100 million&nbsp;presents a significant hurdle, making a player exchange a viable option to lower the fee.



Reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona is willing to include&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fermin-lopez/">Fermin Lopez</a>, their promising young midfielder, in the deal to acquire Leao. This potential swap could ease negotiations for the winger, who remains a top target for the Catalan side.



Lopez, a 21-year-old Spanish midfielder, has been a valuable squad player for Barcelona this season, but his minutes have been limited due to the return of key players like&nbsp;Gavi&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dani Olmo. Fermin isn’t guaranteed regular playing time at Barça despite his brilliant moments. With a current market value of&nbsp;€50 million, the youngster could prove an enticing prospect for the Rossoneri, should Barcelona decide to include him in the deal.



<h2>Fermin Lopez: Rising star with limited opportunities</h2>



Lopez, who has a&nbsp;contract until 2029&nbsp;with a release clause of&nbsp;€500 million, has contributed modestly this season with&nbsp;one goal and three assists&nbsp;across&nbsp;20 appearances. However, injuries and competition within the squad have limited his impact.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250124_WST_550500_fermin-lopez-leao-milan-1200x675_5cc20bd7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="fermin lopez leao milan" class="wp-image-550504" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/24153804/fermin-lopez-leao-milan.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



His potential inclusion in a swap deal would offer Lopez a chance to gain valuable experience and regular playing time in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/">Serie A</a>. Sources close to the player suggest that a move, whether on loan or permanent, could be welcomed as he seeks to establish himself in European action.



<h2>Milan’s perspective on Leao’s possible exit</h2>



While Barcelona intensifies its pursuit of Rafael Leao, AC Milan remains calm and confident about retaining their star winger. The 25-year-old has thrived under new manager&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-conceicao/">Sergio Conceicao</a>, finding a renewed sense of purpose and delivering consistently strong performances.



In the ongoing&nbsp;season, Leao has tallied&nbsp;eight goals and seven assists&nbsp;in&nbsp;27 matches, reaffirming his status as one of Europe’s most exciting talents. Milan values Leao not only for his on-field contributions but also as a key figure in their quest to secure a new Champions League spot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250124_WST_550500_leao-vs-girona-1200x675_5c6bef8b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="leao vs girona" class="wp-image-550264" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/01/22160215/leao-vs-girona.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



According to&nbsp;Calciomercato,&nbsp;“Leao’s relationship with Conceição has flourished, and the player is determined to help Milan secure their second star.”&nbsp;This determination has solidified the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-target-rafael-leao-breaks-silence-on-milan-future-amid-looming-marcus-rashford-rumors/">club’s stance against a potential transfer</a>. “Rafael wants to be the best in the world, and we believe that will happen here at Milan,”&nbsp;the publication quoted insiders.



Despite the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/">La Liga</a> giant identifying the Portuguese as their top priority for the left-wing position, Milan remains unmoved by its interest.&nbsp;“Milan is not trembling,”&nbsp;the report adds, as the player has expressed his desire to remain with the&nbsp;Rossoneri&nbsp;and continue his development under Conceicao’s guidance.

Could Rafael Leao join Barcelona? Milan’s response to surprise swap deal rumors with Hansi Flick's team

Could Rafael Leao join Barcelona? Milan’s response to surprise swap deal rumors with Hansi Flick's team - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

Saturday’s El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona sets up to be a title-deciding game with young talent across the pitch. Yes, it is only the tenth game of the season. And, yes, the two clubs will play again later in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> season. Still, this game carries a heightened importance with the infusion of youth involved. Both <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> are sporting young stars for the first time in this storied rivalry.



For Barcelona, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/la-masia-continues-to-pay-dividends-for-cash-strapped-barcelona-20231023-WST-464128.html">new era of La Masia</a> is putting its fingerprints on recent performances. Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Pedri are not new to this game. However, young sensations Lamine Yamal, Marc Guiu, and Fermin Lopez are likely to play in their first editions of the game. Each of these three players has played a role in delivering key victories for the club. Yamal has been the most impressive with consistent displays down the right side. Marc Guiu scored a game-winner just seconds into his debut against Athletic Club. Finally, Fermin Lopez had the eventual winner in Barcelona’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk midweek.



Real Madrid is also sporting a young player. Yet, he is already one of the best players in the world. Jude Bellingham made a high-profile move to Real Madrid over the summer from Borussia Dortmund. With his expectations, the Englishman is shattering every predisposition people and pundits had about him. Playing in an attacking midfield role, Bellingham has 11 goals in 12 games across all competitions. The only two games he did not score in are Real Madrid’s only blemishes this season.




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<h2>Can Barcelona slow down Bellingham?</h2>



Bellingham’s ability exceeds the talents of Barcelona’s youngest players. It helps that he has more years of experience than someone like Lamine Yamal. However, this edition of El Clasico could be a preview of years to come between two impending dynasties in Spain. Players on both sides of this derby had memorable beginnings in El Clasico.



That is the opportunity that lies in front of a player like Bellingham. The golden child for Real Madrid has already earned his praises at the Santiago Bernabeu. Leading Real Madrid to a result in Barcelona would only cement his status as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fan-favorite-bellingham-makes-committment-to-madrid-future-20231018-WST-462987.html">one of its best signings</a> in recent years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231027_WST_465202_Jude-celebration-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-465402" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Jude-celebration-1200x675.png 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Jude-celebration-300x169.png 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Jude-celebration-768x432.png 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Jude-celebration.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Jude Bellingham’s goal celebration is becoming a pleasingly regular sighting for Real Madrid supporters.</figcaption></figure>



For Real Madrid, that success is rapidly becoming an expectation for the Englishman. It is one thing to point to his braces against Almeria or Osasuna. Look instead to his success against this season’s better LaLiga teams. He scored and assisted against Girona, the club between Real and Barcelona in the table, away from home. He scored against Athletic Club in his debut, also away from home. Bellingham has shown no slowing down when he does not have the boisterous fans of the Santiago Bernabeu. Even in the Champions League, he has scored sensational goals on the road. <a href="https://youtu.be/Q6ZzLHkWUOc?si=G7EtrxQFFnw7_uU7&amp;t=371">One in particular stands out</a> against Italian champions Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.



Barcelona’s defense has not been the record-setting figure it was last season, and that should excite Bellingham. In 2022/23, Barcelona conceded just 20 goals. That was 16 fewer than Real Madrid’s last campaign. However, in 2023/24, Barcelona has already given up half that total. Its 10 goals against are only tied for fourth best in the league. 



<h2>Young stars at Barcelona get reinforcement before El Clasico</h2>



Regardless, Barcelona and Xavi have done enough to maintain the only unbeaten record in LaLiga. While those 10 games did produce three draws, the Catalan club has no shortage of creativity. New signing Joao Felix has been instrumental since coming over on loan from Atletico Madrid. Ilkay Gundogan has been a reliable and calming source in the midfield following his move from Manchester City.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231027_WST_465202_Lamine-Yamal-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-465398" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Lamine-Yamal-1200x675.png 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Lamine-Yamal-300x169.png 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Lamine-Yamal-768x432.png 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Lamine-Yamal.png 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lamine Yamal is now the youngest goal-scorer in the history of LaLiga at the age of 16.</figcaption></figure>



Still, for these La Masia graduates, this game shines brighter. It will help to have several players with experience in games of this magnitude on standby. Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Pedri returned to training this week after stints on the sideline. They are far from guaranteed to start or even play on Saturday. Still, their candidacy to play is a boost for the club.



Moreover, some of the younger players will see it as an opportunity to prove themselves. Throughout his time managing Barcelona, Xavi has made decisions based on form rather than name. It helped <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-cruise-past-espanyol-to-win-la-liga-title-20230514-WST-432881.html">Barcelona win the league</a> last year, and he hopes it can pay dividends this year, too. Should he start the young players, he entrusts his confidence in unproven talent. A gamble, but one the teenagers and 20-year-olds at Barcelona surely appreciate.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

A new breed of young stars breathes life into El Clasico

The first El Clasico encounter of 2023/24 between sets up to be a title-deciding game with young talent across the pitch.

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Could Rafael Leao join Barcelona? Milan’s response to surprise swap deal rumors with Hansi Flick's team

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A new breed of young stars breathes life into El Clasico