Rafael Leao has made it clear he wants to make a big move away from AC Milan, but there is only one way he will get his desired switch to a Premier League giant. The 26-year-old Portugal international has been with the Italian club since 2019, joining from Lille for £32 million. He has since made 291 appearances, scored 80 goals, and won the Serie A title in 2022.
Leao Seeks New Challenge
Leao is keen to move on this summer and has been open about wanting to test himself in the Premier League or La Liga. 'I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while,' Leao said. 'The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent, as a player.'
He added: 'If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy. I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level. Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.'
Transfer Fee and Interest
AC Milan are willing to let Leao go but want around €50 million (£43 million) for the winger, who still has two years remaining on his contract. Arsenal and Manchester United have been credited with interest, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says a move to either English giant is unlikely unless he proves himself this summer.
Romano told time2play that after a disappointing last season with Milan, it would take a 'masterclass' at the World Cup with Portugal to trigger interest from elite clubs. Currently, the only concrete interest comes from Turkey, with Galatasaray linked.
World Cup Hopes Hit by Red Card
Leao's chances of a spectacular World Cup were not helped when he was sent off in a friendly against Chile on Saturday. In a surprisingly bad-tempered affair in Lisbon, players clashed shortly before half-time, and Leao punched Ivan Ramon, knocking him to the ground. He received a straight red card and will miss Portugal's final friendly before the World Cup, against Nigeria on Wednesday, but will be available for their group games.
The winger wrote on Instagram: 'Regarding my sending off, I simply wanted to protect my teammate, never intending to hurt the opponent!' Manager Roberto Martinez added: 'We're all very determined and he reacted in a situation that is bound to happen a lot at the World Cup. Clearly it's a good example that we can't give in to frustration or see a red card in that situation.'
