There could be a compromise reached between Rafael Leao and AC Milan regarding the renewal of his contract, according to a report.
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Yesterday the declarations of the sporting director Ricky Massara and the words of Leao himself suggested that absolutely nothing has been decided regarding the extension of the Portuguese winger’s deal, which means the uncertainty grows.
According to Sky (via MilanLive) however, an agreement could be found that would make everyone happy, at least on paper. Leao – out of gratitude and affection towards Milan – would be willing to renew his contract and extend the expiry until at least 2026.
However, with that would come the security that he is sold to the highest bidder next summer. Milan would be sure of being able to negotiate the sale on their terms and could ask for an amount commensurate with his value (€120m at least), gaining important leverage, while Leao could move on if he wishes to.
Without an agreement over a renewal, Milan would not only be forced to sell Leao this summer to avoid losing him on a free in 2024, but they would also have to settle for offers well below the real market value of the former Lille man.
One of the issues – which has created a rift between Milan and Leao’s agents – is the fine owed to Sporting CP. The Rossoneri believe they have nothing to do with it but Jordge Mendes made it clear that the club should have increased the offer to contribute towards paying it, which Maldini and Massara don’t agree with.
Mendes’ idea is therefore to obtain a much higher signing bonus elsewhere, perhaps in the Premier League, which would facilitate the payment of the fine to Sporting.
