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.
