AC Milan has suddenly dropped Rafael Leao’s price as more Premier League teams start showing interest.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leão might end up costing less than many expected after he almost confirmed he’s leaving the club.
Leão, 26, who will be part of Portugal’s team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, could move this transfer window. After seven seasons at AC Milan, where he helped the team win Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana, he said he’s ready for a new “challenge.”
Last season, Leão scored 10 goals, but Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed out on the Champions League for the second year in a row. This led to the recent firing of head coach Massimiliano Allegri.
There are talks about new coaches, like Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, but neither is expected to work with Leão next season.
Leão told Portuguese media last week, “I’m proud to have made history at AC Milan, but I want a new chapter. I feel ready to play in another league. I gave my best for Milan, but now it’s time for something new.”
Italian reports say his contract has a €175 million (£151.4 million) release clause, but Milan might accept offers around €40 million (£34.6 million), according to Calciomercato.
Another report from The Standard says Manchester United is the Premier League club most likely to sign Leão as they look to strengthen their left side before competing in the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, and Carabao Cup next season.
Leão has said before how much he likes both Manchester United and Arsenal because he watched them as a kid. “I like Manchester United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, so I used to watch them,” he said. “I like Arsenal too.”
In a 2023 interview with Gaffer, he shared that every player, including himself, wants to play in the Premier League. “I think every player wants to play in the Premier League because it’s very competitive, has exciting football, great teams, and fans all over the world. Serie A is doing well right now, but the Premier League is where I want to be in the future. My football goal is to win the Champions League and a Ballon d’Or.”
Leão currently earns about €172,500 (£149,100) per week.