In the months before the mercato opening, Rafael Leao has been linked to several clubs, but nothing has been made tangible. However, with the Portuguese winger’s release clause now expired, some clubs may enquire to AC Milan about his true value.
Last night, Leao’s eyewatering €175 million release clause expired, and this now means that clubs have a bit more freedom in negotiations, given there is nothing for Milan to refer to as their price.
Of course, this can be seen as a positive and a negative. In some ways, it gives the Rossoneri a boost because there is no cap on how much they can ask for – they can ask for more than the clause, should they wish to do so.
However, this also means they are unable to point in the direction of the clause when interested parties come to the table, so this is where they must negotiate, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, there is a reasonable figure.
The golden number
After an underwhelming season at club and international level, Leao’s stock is arguably at the lowest has been in a few years. This is not a question of how good he is, or can be, and is no indication that the club will take a minimal fee, but rather they may not be able to demand a higher fee – which is a good thing, as it means there is still a ‘release’ figure in mind and if a club does not match it, so be it, the winger stays.
This number, according to Gazzetta estimations, is around the €90m mark, an amount similar to that of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and whilst there have been offers in this ballpark, this is an estimation, and the Rossoneri will surely add a premium to this figure, for the player and the brand.
Break records or hold
If a deal were to be agreed at this price range, or higher – because, let’s be real, it won’t be less – it would be a record sale for the Diavolo, but the chances are slim. The winger does not want to move, and Paulo Fonseca has met with the player to discuss his centrality to the project.
Of course, there is a lot of talent elsewhere, who could, eventually, take Leao’s reigns, but it seems the time to do so is not now, given neither party is looking for a split.