The Rafael Leao vs. Sporting Lisbon case was solved a few months ago as the fine, amounting to €20m, was paid in full by Lille. However, as a report highlights, AC Milan indirectly paid the fine.
According to Radio Rossonera, Milan agreed to include a future resale clause of 15-20% when they signed Rafael Leao from Lille back in 2019. The clause, however, has now been removed by the parties.
Based on what has emerged from the balance sheet, as the report continues, Leao’s cost increased by €20m. Essentially, Milan agreed to pay the €20m to Lille – who then paid that to Sporting – in exchange for removing the future resale clause.
This means that the Rossoneri paid the fine in full. On the other hand, they will not have to give up part of the transfer fee to Lille when selling Leao, which gives them more freedom and more or less gets them the money back (depending on the fee, of course).
For Leao, it was essential to close the matter and move on, as it was slowly starting to affect him on the pitch. Milan’s willingness to help out also facilitated the contract renewal.
This means Leao will be sold for sure in his prime time in order for Milan to recover the payout expense. I would not mind selling him in 2026 when he will be 27. This is what we did to Kaka, gotta let them stars go for as much as we can.
I don’t think selling Leao is on the cards. However, if he does refuse to renew by 2026, 2027 or if some of the rich clubs activate his buyout clause then Milan would be getting maximum benefit. The project still revolves around him, unless one of the above happens or his form dip majorly. But i hope we can still enjoy him for the foreseeable future in the red and black.
No question he will be sold in his prime years, just a matter of timing.
💯 Can’t miss out on that cash windfall. Furlani wouldn’t be doing his job if he doesn’t sell Leao.
We don’t need to sell Leao. The financial year already closed, we are on profit so there’s no need to sell Leao.
But if he wanted to leave/refused to extend his contract/got a crazy offer (about his release fee) then ofc we will sell him. Better to sell than lost him for free.
Leao will not be sold easily.
Milan paid 20 million in fine plus huge salary. That boy is cashed tied for Milan so there is no big possibility for him to leave without huge compensation in transfer fee.
If Milan won something in next couple of years – That means Milan never lost the money, because it return by winning trophy. If Milan does not win anything small chances that someone will easily pay at least 150 million for transfer fee.
Selling Leao for less money is possible, but in terms that he stops produce goals and assists.
No wonder Milan’s projected 30M profit for 22/23 season ended up being just 6M.
I’m okay with that though, because Leao re-signed with us and we got rid of Lille’s sell on clause.
It’s unbelievable, I really feel that some of you would be GLAD, that’s the the exact word, if the club get rid ASAP of our by very far best player 🤣🤣🤣…