Rafael Leao has been in the spotlight for quite some time and it seems there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the renewal saga. AC Milan, in fact, could be bailed out by their good friends Lille.
In the renewal talks, the main issue has always been the €19m fine that Lille and Leao owe Sporting. Milan have always maintained that they cannot pay this fee, simply because it has nothing to do with them.
As reported by Tuttosport (via MilanNews), referring to the news coming out of Portugal, Lille covering the fine would be a huge relief for Leao and Milan. Most likely, it would open up the renewal talks and get the winger to accept the €7.5m (bonus included) offer.
So why are Lille willing to pay the fine, all of a sudden? There could be many reasons really, but one is the resale clause in Leao’s contract, as highlighted by the newspaper. In fact, they are entitled to 15% of a future sale and Milan renewing Leao’s deal would ensure a higher amount for the French side.
If they don’t pay the fine, then they could end up being ‘charged’ twice. In addition to the clause, Lille have also lost their cases in court against Sporting and have now seemingly accepted the situation.
[morestoris]