Rafael Leao started on the bench for the third consecutive league game during last night’s win over Monza, and the situation is worrying the AC Milan leadership.
According to what is being reported by Calciomercato.com, the relationship between Leão and Fonseca is ‘at an all-time low’. The Portuguese coach doubled down in his press conference after the victory over Monza, stating that there is no controversy in his eyes.
“There is no Leao case. It is an option: Musah on the bench, Loftus-Cheek on the bench, Leao the same. This must be normal. Status does not go on the pitch,” he said. Translated: Fonseca believes Leao is just a regular player like the others and not the most talented in the squad.
The friction between the pair is so evident and superficial that it requires reflection by all interested parties. Tuesday’s match against Real Madrid could mark a first truce, but in reality Leao has already begun to think about leaving Milan, while the coach does not enjoy unconditional trust either.
The winger has a release clause of €175m which can be exercised in the summer until July, but realistically given his form and present situation the most that Milan could hope for is €50-60m. This is not enough for the directors, who still believe that the former Lille man can become world class.
In the last 12 months a couple of Saudi club and Barcelona have shown interest, and in this sense the movements of agent Jorge Mendes will be key. He is very close to both the president of the Barca, Joan Laporta, and Leão’s father Antonio.
The work is aimed at next summer because Barcelona do not have the economic means to conclude the operation in January. However, something is moving and Milan must clarify things because Leão cannot and must not be a burden but rather a resource.