Rafael Leao is not going through the best patch of form at the moment having not scored a goal for two months, and a report has looked at the possible reasons behind it.
This morning’s Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) writes that there are tactical and off-field issues that are affecting Leao at the moment, namely the renewal of his contract currently set to expire in June 2024.
Since Stefano Pioli changed formation to a 3-4-2-1, Leao has been playing more centrally rather than as a pure winger and his performance has dropped as a result. He is struggling a lot to adapt to a new position on the field where he is forced to move in traffic and finds less space.
Added to this is the contract issue, despite the fact that there is more confidence in the negotiation for an extension compared to a few months ago, but with the fine to Sporting CP looming it is possible he is not sleeping the most peacefully.
Stefano Pioli’s words on Leao after the draw against Salernitana – where the Portuguese forward was ineffective – shed some light: “His situation is strange because last year he did much less in training, but in the game he was more decisive. Now the opposite. We have to look for him more. Renewal? The contract issue has nothing to do with it.”
However, the feeling is that all the rumours circulating about his future do not leave him at peace and are influencing his performance. The negotiation goes ahead and there is more optimism, but until a resolution is reached it remains open.
Milan is in good position. Club don’t need Leao anymore.
Imagine if we bring 3 good players in attack: new left winger, new right winger and new striker for Leao.
This team would have top result in serie a.
I agree! Lauriente on left. Traore on right. Retegui central and I’m sure that all cost less than 100m
Lauriente on left!
Leao has to make his bloody mind up whether or not he wants to stay. Simple as that.
Performances say he has already made up his mind.
Unless you change formation to 343 or 433 to make leao effective as winger but if 3412 then better sell leao
What is the obsession with Sassuolo players every year? If they are so good how come they can’t finish above 10TH? They always prove to be system players. Last year you all wanted Raspadori and Scamacca…