After seven years as AC Milan’s talisman, Rafael Leao has told the club he wants to leave.
With his options in Europe limited, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) could be his best bet for securing a move away from Milan this summer.
Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!
While many people may stigmatise a move to the Middle East, it could actually be the smartest career move for the 27-year-old.
The European Market Has Spoken
Leao was previously linked to Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Barcelona, but nothing materialised.
The market is now radically different from what it was three years ago. Clubs are looking for forwards with tactical discipline, off-the-ball work rate and consistency.
The Portugal international is still very capable of producing moments, but his form has regressed. He has also been criticised for his inconsistency and defensive work rate.
When elite clubs shell out €100 million on a player, they want guarantees. If they are unwilling to gamble on Leao, it shows just how far his stock has fallen.
Saudi Arabia Offers Security
Leao is entering his prime years, but there are no guarantees he will get a big contract in two or three years. Injuries and a major loss of form have reduced his value.
SPL clubs can give him the financial security that very few European sides can match at this stage of his career.
Signing a long-term contract with one of the top Saudi teams would make him one of the best-paid footballers around and secure his future.
Many people like to think money should not be a factor in football decision-making, but dismissing it is unrealistic.
He Would Instantly Become a Superstar
Leao would immediately be a superstar in the SPL. If he joins Al-Ahli, who need a star left-winger, he would become one of the faces of the league. That carries massive benefits.
The league has been garnering global attention since Leao’s international teammate and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr in 2023.
With television audiences growing, and clubs investing heavily in infrastructure, academies and marketing, the betting industry has jumped on the bandwagon.
Comparison sites such as arabswin-saudi.com/en/ are inundated with punters looking for the best betting sites in Saudi Arabia to profit from their knowledge of the league.
Signing a player with Leao’s profile would make the SPL even more attractive to sports bettors. His profile could become even bigger than it currently is in Serie A.
Leao Must Consider the Implications of Leaving Europe
Playing in Saudi Arabia is not all sunshine and rainbows. The level of competition is below the European standard despite the influx of top players.
Leao showed at the 2026 World Cup that he can still torture some of the best full-backs around, and many people expect him to keep testing himself at the highest level rather than move to the SPL.
He may be unable to return to Europe in the latter stages of his career, which could be a major consideration for him.
Gabri Veiga and Allan Saint-Maximin left Europe and then returned, but it is not a common pathway back to elite-level football.
His status in international football may not be a major issue. Managers are now inclined to pick players from the Middle East, so his place in the Portugal squad should be safe.
Leao can realistically remain an important part of the set-up if he maintains his fitness and production. International coaches are now following the SPL more than previously.
If Leao continues to wait for Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, he could end up remaining at Milan this summer.
Another poor season would only weaken his market value and reduce his options. SPL offers won’t remain on the table forever. Football moves are just as much about timing as they are about talent.
