AC Milan will reportedly ask for €100 million to sell Rafael Leao next summer amidst interest from a whole host of European clubs.
In recent days, there has been no progress between the Rossoneri and the player’s camp in negotiations over a new contract, despite Paulo Maldini’s initial desire to reach an agreement before the World Cup. Things have become complicated with the Portuguese international demanding around €8/9 million salary per year, which AC Milan doesn’t find feasible.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan will try their best to renew Rafael Leao’s contract but simultaneously remain open to offers in the market. Any club willing to sign the winger must meet Milan’s €100 million valuation in January, although the Serie A champions want to postpone any transfer dealing to the end of the season, the report adds.
Leao, 23, has become one of the hottest properties in the transfer market. The highly-rated 23-year-old was a crucial part of the Milan side that won the Scudetto last season, and he has continued to do well this season. He has notched up seven goals and nine assists in 20 appearances so far this season, thereby, earning a call-up to Fernando Santos’s Portugal squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
With Milan unwilling to accept his high salary demands, here are three potential destinations for Leao.
#Chelsea
Chelsea have been linked with Rafael Leao for some time. They were interested in signing him in the past summer transfer window, but Milan were reluctant to let go of one of their prized assets.
The Blues strengthened the offensive unit in the summer by signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling. However, Aubameyang and Sterling have failed to produce the goods so far this season, while Hakim Ziyech faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
In addition, Christian Pulisic finds himself in an uncomfortable situation at the club after falling down the pecking order under Graham Potter. With Chelsea misfiring and the offensive unit in big need of revamping, Rafael Leao should become a viable target for the club.
Leao would be an upgrade over Pulisic, giving Chelsea some much-needed cutting edge in attack. And with the new co-owner American billionaire Todd Boehly willing to make a statement in the transfer market, they could afford to meet the Portuguese international’s €100 million valuation in the summer.
#Newcastle United
Newcastle United are flying in the Premier League heading into the World Cup break as they lie third in the table after 15 games. They do not look like impostors in the race for the top 4 anymore and have solidified their place further at the weekend by beating Chelsea 1-0.
After spending well in the last two transfer windows under new Saudi owners, Eddie Howe is expected to be backed again to continue the squad rebuild. And Newcastle United could make a statement with the signing of Rafael Leao.
A left-winger by trade, Leao is also able to operate as a number 9 or as a second striker, offering tremendous versatility with similar production. He is quick and a confident dribbler, while his physicality will add a new dimension to the Newcastle attack. The likes of Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Chris Wood could benefit immensely from Leao’s service in the final third.
While Bruno Guimaraes is widely considered as a bonafide star in the team, there is a perception that the owners will go toe to toe with the heavyweights in Europe if the Magpies can secure a top 4 spot this season.
And Rafael Leao could be the perfect name to bump up the brand value of the club and truly announce it on the big stage.
#Paris Saint-Germain
In Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain have arguably the deadliest attacking trident in world football. However, with Messi in the twilight of his career, Mbappe’s long-term future at the club yet to be resolved and Neymar not getting any younger, PSG could invest heavily in a new attacker next summer.
In that regard, Rafael Leao would be a good fit in Christophe Galtier’s system at Parc des Princes. Leao was Milan’s MVP last season as Stefano Pioli’s side won the Serie A title. The Portuguese is one of Serie A’s best players and would improve almost every top European club.
Leao would add flair, pace and trickery to PSG’s attack, whilst being a long-term replacement for Neymar. He is a weapon on the counter and can score goals of all kinds. And as PSG do possess the financial might to meet Milan’s high valuation, Galtier must try signing Rafael Leao in 2023.
