Rafael Leao is preparing to say goodbye to AC Milan, with a new contender having emerged in the potential race to sign him.
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao’s farewell is unlikely to happen before the World Cup, but these could be his ‘final days’ as a Milan player. Don’t be fooled by the launch of the new Rossoneri jersey for next season, where the forward is featured prominently.
While until a few years ago, certain marketing decisions could be interpreted as interesting clues about a player’s permanence, that’s no longer the case. There’s him, there’s Luka Modric, there’s Christian Pulisic and they could all potentially leave for various reasons.
Leao’s time up
Leao in particular appears to be the one who, more than the others, has reached the end of his career with Milan. After an excellent first half of the season, obvious physical problems have set in, but that’s not the only explanation for the Portuguese’s decline.
The situation is further complicated by a move from the wing to the centre-forward role, which never really panned out. The tactical aspect is two-fold: beyond this, it’s not difficult to see how the team is more vulnerable to problems when out of possession when Rafa is on the pitch.
These are all considerations that have led the club to the decision to let the transfer market take its course. As a result of this, the number 10 is free to move elsewhere, should a suitable offer arrive.
Where from? Two possibilities stand out at the moment, although the World Cup could be a great boost (but also vice versa) and open up other possibilities. One door is Manchester United, a longtime admirer of Leao’s who have resurfaced in recent days.
Then there’s the one that emerged in the last few hours in Turkey, with one of Fenerbahçe’s presidential candidates – Hakan Safi – enquiring about the Portuguese. In reality, this too seems to be an interest that dates back to the past few weeks.
There are two issues surrounding the Fener option. The first concerns who wins the presidential elections, scheduled for June 6-7. The second is Rafa’s expensive salary. Meanwhile, Leao is waiting and perhaps hoping for Barcelona to come forward.
He is also wondering what will happen to him against Cagliari on Sunday evening, when he returns to the squad after his suspension. From what is leaking out of Milanello, he should be on the bench from minute one. Could it really be a sad farewell after seven years?