This is undoubtedly a punchline statement that is already shaking up the transfer window. While the season has just come to an end in Europe, Rafael Leão (26 years old) has decided to move up a gear regarding his future. Announced on departure after a delicate exercise under the orders of Massimiliano Allegri with the Rossoneri, marked by the club’s non-qualification for the next Champions League, the Portuguese international formalized his desire to leave in a very frank manner.
“ I already gave everything I had to Milan »
Summoned by Roberto Martínez to play the World Cup with the Seleção, the twirling winger spoke frankly to the Portuguese media Sports TV. And his words sound like clear farewells to the San Siro public: “ I think that, personally, I have already given everything I had to Milan. It’s a club that helped me grow a lot, that supported me in difficult times, and fortunately, I also managed to write my name in history. Everyone has dreams and ambitions to have a new challenge in a new championship. And if that happens, I will be very happy and also accomplished because I did my job in Milan » Arriving in Lombardy in 2019 from LOSC, Leão believes he has covered the issue in Italy, where he notably won the Scudetto in 2022. Now, it’s time for a new chapter.
Moreover, Rafael Leão himself fuels the rumors about his future destination. Recently interviewed by the CernucciPodcast podcast, the Portuguese striker admitted to following the English championship closely and having a weakness for two British big names in particular: “ Yes, I often watch the Premier League. I love Manchester United, especially because of Cristiano Ronaldo who is my idol, but Arsenal is also a team that I follow on television. » These statements, even lightly formulated, come at the worst time for the Lombard club, currently in the midst of a crisis, with the simultaneous dismissal of four key figures in the organization chart: coach Massimiliano Allegri, general director Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. The question of the future of its star will inevitably return to the table once the club’s organizational chart is restored.
Europe on maximum alert: a price revised downwards to unblock the situation?
Contractually, Rafael Leão is linked to AC Milan until June 30, 2028, with a stratospheric release clause set at 175 million euros. An amount now considered excessive given its recent situation. Under Allegri’s orders, the player is going through a delicate sporting period, notably with only 10 goals and 3 assists in 31 games this season, which has inevitably impacted his rating. According to information from the Italian press, its real market value is now estimated between 50 and 60 million euros.
A price which could attract big European names and facilitate the Portuguese’s exit to begin a new sporting project within the Lombard club. Obviously, such a media release will intensify speculation and set the European transfer market on fire. The Premier League is keeping a very close eye on its situation. But the danger could also come from Germany, since Bayern Munich had already tried their luck last season. For the moment, however, the main person concerned refuses to rush things, preferring to focus on the international deadline with Portugal: “ Obviously, now the most important thing is the World Cup. Make my World Cup, succeed in helping the Seleção as best as I can and then, when that time comes, I will study the best options for the rest of my career and also to continue to compete at the highest level of European football. » The message has been sent, the contenders have been warned: the Rafael Leão soap opera has officially launched, and it promises to be one of the hot issues of the summer!
