AC Milan will not find negotiations easy in their attempts to renew Rafael Leao, but they seem prepared to make an exception on salary, a report claims.
Speaking on Sky (via MilanNews), Manuele Baiocchini gave an update on Leao’s future, confirming that Milan want to renew Leao’s contract because it expires in 2024 meaning that if he has not extended by the next summer window he will be a year from the end of his deal which weakens negotiating position.
The Rossoneri ‘have been working on this contract for several months’ he adds but ‘there are many obstacles to overcome’. One is the double power of attorney that the player has given he is now represented by a lawyer close to his family in addition to Jorge Mendes, and then there is the Sporting CP legal battle which means payment of a €16.5m fine (plus interest) must occur.
Baiocchini confirms that in last few days of August Milan ‘received a very significant offer from Chelsea’ and for this reason Mendes is asking for ‘around 6-7 million euros’ (net per season) in order for his client to extend.
These are figures that are higher than Milan’s salary ceiling, but it is likely they ‘will make an exception for a player who they want to keep now and for the future, and because he wants to continue to have bargaining power should a top club arrive’.
Honestly, just pay him
He won’t settle for 7M€ or what ever Milan offers. We all know how this ends. Mendes getting millions and millions for his free transfer in 2024.