Rafael Leão is enduring a season that many would prefer to forget, prompting Milan to consider parting ways with him this summer.
The player, once hailed as the golden boy of the Rossoneri, faced boos from the San Siro crowd during Milan’s 3-0 defeat to Udinese. His current season statistics show ten goals and two assists in 26 appearances, a stark contrast to his heroic performances during the championship-winning season four years ago.
Milan no longer view the 26-year-old as indispensable and are reportedly open to offers as low as €50 million, despite Leão having two years remaining on his contract, which earns him €6.41 million per year.
Although Milan has not yet received any concrete bids, the Portuguese international is not short of admirers in the transfer market. Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with him in recent months, while Barcelona is also rumored to be interested should they not secure Marcus Rashford permanently in the summer. Additionally, several clubs from the Saudi Pro League are reportedly poised to make a move for him.
However, there is a significant factor that has influenced both Leão’s performance and availability this season, which potential buyers must take into account.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the former Sporting and Lille player has been battling pubalgia, a form of groin injury, throughout the season. This condition has led to him missing several weeks and has impacted his agility and sprinting capabilities, both of which are crucial to his established playing style.
While Massimiliano Allegri has deployed Leão in a central role in the absence of other strikers, his performances have been underwhelming, suggesting difficulties in adapting to positional changes.
Given Leão’s past achievements, there will likely always be a market for him if Milan decides to sell. However, all parties involved – the player, the club, and interested suitors – may need to adjust their expectations as the summer transfer window approaches.
English Translation:
Why Clubs May Want to Think Twice Before Moving for Rafael Leão
Rafael Leão is experiencing a season he would rather forget, leading Milan to decide on moving him on this summer.
The formerly celebrated “golden boy” of the Rossoneri was jeered by the San Siro faithful during Milan’s 3-0 loss to Udinese. His season tally stands at ten goals and two assists from 26 appearances, marking a significant decline from his championship-winning heroics of four seasons ago.
Milan no longer considers the 26-year-old untouchable and is willing to entertain offers as low as €50 million, with Leão still having two years left on his €6.41 million per year contract.
Even though Milan has not received any fresh bids, the Portugal international is not lacking interest in the transfer market. Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with him in recent months, while Barcelona is also expected to pursue him should they decide against signing Marcus Rashford permanently in the summer. Meanwhile, several Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly ready to pounce.
However, there is one major factor that has been dictating both Leão’s form and availability this season that his suitors will need to keep in mind.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the former Sporting and Lille player has been struggling all season with pubalgia, a type of groin lesion. This has sidelined him for several weeks this season and affected his movement and sprinting ability, both of which have been integral to his preferred style of play over the years.
While Massimiliano Allegri has played Leão centrally in the absence of other strikers, he has flattered to deceive, hinting at struggles with adapting to positional changes.
Leão’s past exploits mean there will always be a market for him should Milan decide to move him on, but everyone involved here — the player, the club, and his suitors — may have to recalibrate their expectations ahead of the summer transfer window.
