Rafael Leao’s laughs and smiles after returning to training with the AC Milan squad could indicate a drastic change in course.
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As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Leao is trying to ‘reconquer Milan’. So far, the transfer market hasn’t offered him the options to change teams and countries he’d hoped for, but he is also not exactly miserable as a Rossoneri player either.
With less than a month to go until the end of the summer transfer window, many opportunities could arise in the second half of August. For now, despite the Portuguese almost certainly saying goodbye to the Rossoneri at the end of May with his interviews, he might have to consider staying.
He must demonstrate that he can adapt to Ruben Amorim’s style of football, which features high pressing, intensity, and close-quarters link-up play. It’s certainly not Rafa’s signature style, but he must make the first move in trying to mend the broken bridges.
No to Turkey
Aside from the Saudi Arabia option – which Leao has never considered despite the fact he would be reunited with his friend Theo Hernandez there – the only two clubs currently showing any concrete interest in him are Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe.
Both clubs, to convince him, have offered the No.10’s entourage a salary exceeding €12m net per year, including bonuses (he currently earns €7m). Unlike a move to the Saudi Pro League, a move to the Super Lig hasn’t been completely ruled out, but it’s not at the forefront of his mind either.
At least for now. He’d prefer the Premier League or staying at Milan, especially if he’s allowed to fight for a place. The latter option exists because Amorim isn’t treating him as a member of the ‘bomb squad’, as he did with unwanted players in Manchester.
Tomorrow he’s expected to start in the derby against Inter: in a 3-4-2-1 formation, he’ll start on the left, in one of the two attacking midfielder positions behind the centre-forward, a position that will be filled by one of Gonçalo Ramos or Francesco Camarda.
He doesn’t have 90 minutes in his tank, but he’s trained well, and the former Sporting CP manager wants to see how he’s absorbed his tactical input. Rafa must send a signal if he wants to make the manager and the club think about extending the partnership.
Back with a smile
Yesterday, Leao was in excellent spirits, aided by the attitude of his team-mates who always make him feel cared for and part of the group. He joked around during the rondo with the others and, caught in the middle, fell to the ground with the ball passing between his legs.
There were smiles and jokes with Nkunku, Fofana, and Chukwueze, who mimicked Rafa’s signature surfer celebration. It was an amusing scene, also watched closely by Amorim’s staff. As long as he has him, the coach will treat his compatriot as a member of the squad and will try to get the best out of him.
Before asking Cardinale to buy another attacking midfielder for the 3-4-2-1, he wants to evaluate the material at his disposal, and he’s also testing Ruben Loftus-Cheek in those two positions. It’s clear, however, that only if Leao’s departure is paid for will the club be able to invest in a new signing.
Cardinale has no intention of selling Leao for a discount, whom he values at between €50-60m. The American is now waiting for a response from Amorim, who will clarify his views over the next three friendlies against Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United.
It remains possible that a Premier League club comes in and turns the situation around again. The tests against the Blues and the Red Devils could serve as a platform, even if Rafa doesn’t see them as huge adverts for promoting himself with two clubs he might potentially consider joining.
If he could go back, perhaps he would make different comments in interviews, or discuss them with the management and not the press. But since this isn’t a viable option, he has no choice but to make up for it with good performances and goals. Perhaps it’s not too late.