MN: Leao changes agent – the situation regarding his renewal as Real Madrid lurk

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has made the decision to change agents amid the rumours of ongoing negotiations over his contract renewal, a report claims.

After a season with 14 goals and 12 assists in 42 games across all competitions in 2021-22, it has become a priority for Milan to extend the contract of Leao given that there are rumours of interest from some of the top clubs in Europe.

MilanNews reports how Leao has to compensate Sporting CP – his old club with whom he terminated his deal before joining Lille – with at least €16.5m. To further complicate the renewal situation,  Real Madrid seem to be willing to try their hand at signing him.

In amidst all the speculation, the Portuguese winger has decided to change agent, moving from Jorge Mendes to a French lawyer linked to the player’s father. It seems he is not a football man and therefore is unlikely to be used to working at negotiating tables with football clubs.

Milan have always considered Leao’s renewal a priority and the situation has not changed with the arrival of Gerry Cardinale and RedBird Capital at the helm, while Leao has always made it clear that he wants to renew.

However, the process at the moment is stopped because the Rossoneri management are in a transition phase with Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara waiting to renew their deals, though there is an overall optimism.