This could be the final season for Rafael Leao with the AC Milan shirt, as pointed out by Luca Bianchin, with a sale more realistic now than it has ever been.
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Last night’s display against Udinese was the straw that broke the camel’s back for many. The No.10 not only struggled to find the back of the net, but also didn’t have much success overall. So much so that he wasn’t even surprised to be subbed off after 70 minutes (or at least so he thought).
Subsequently, his tenure at the club seems to be coming to a natural end as the current situation isn’t benefiting anyone. Daniele Longo reported earlier today that his agent is already evaluating solutions, and now Luca Bianchin has added fuel to the fire.
In his piece for Gazzetta dello Sport, the journalist decided to answer four key questions about Milan’s star…
Short Version
- Milan haven’t received any offers for Leao and there are no ongoing negotiations with any clubs.
- There is still a release clause, valued at €175m, but it’s only active between July 1-15. In short, it’s effectively useless.
- Milan have always considered the price tag to be €80-100m, but now they are willing to consider lower figures.
- The most likely destinations are the Premier League and Saudi Arabia, even if the latter is uncertain at the moment. Bayern Munich and Barca have also been interested in the past.
Have Milan received any offers?
No, as it’s still mid-April, there have been no offers to take into consideration. There aren’t even any negotiations for the time being, as Leao is fully focused on the current season and bouncing back from what has been a very tough period for him.
Since December, Leao hasn’t focused too much on the outside world. Instead, he has focused on his injury, his role at Milan, and his relationship with Allegri. There have indeed been some ups and downs with the gaffer but right now, the two are on good terms.
Is there still a release clause?
Yes, the clause that was added with the renewal in 2023 is still active, but it can only be triggered in early July each year. On the 15th of July, the clause expires and can no longer be used by any clubs that are interested in Leao.
The figure is €175m but considering today’s form, the clause is effectively useless. The only reason it was added in the first place was for Milan to protect themselves from a sale, especially since Leao had done so well in the Scudetto season and in 2022-23.
What is the price tag?
The price tag, more than ever in this situation, is determined by the clubs on the market. Chelsea are the only ones that have offered in the region of €80m, but that was several years ago and nothing came of their interest in the end.
Milan have always considered €80-100m to be the price tag, but now the situation is quite different. Since the contract will expire in 2028, as well as the struggles on the pitch, the Rossoneri will be ready to consider even lower figures.
If faced with a €40-50m offer, what would they do? Only time will tell.
Which club could buy him?
The initial answer would be anyone who has enough money to invest in potential, because Leao still hasn’t shown that he can perform at his highest over a long period of time. The Premier League and Saudi Arabia thus spring to mind, although the latter is a very uncertain option at the moment.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona have both been very interested in the past, while Manchester United have also kept tabs on the situation. The question is whether any of the interested sides would be willing to move before the World Cup, or if they want to see him perform there first.
Regardless of where Leao might end up, he will need a club that is willing to invest time and energy into his potential.