Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, with reports indicating that the Serie A club have reached an agreement with the player over a summer exit. According to Sky Sport Italia, Milan are now prepared to demand a fee between £51 million and £60 million for the Portuguese international, following talks with his representatives.
Leao's Desire for a New Challenge
Leao, who has spent seven years at the San Siro, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists in 291 appearances, made clear earlier this year that he wanted to leave. Speaking to Sport TV, he said: "I think I gave Milan everything I could give. It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club's history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they want, the goals they want to achieve. And I also want to take on a new challenge in a new league."
United's Interest and Competition
Manchester United, under manager Michael Carrick, are among a lengthy list of clubs chasing Leao's signature. Carrick is eager to bolster his attacking options ahead of a return to Champions League football. While Milan's preference is for an outright permanent transfer, they are willing to sanction a loan move with an obligation to purchase next summer.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have both tabled offers for the winger, but Leao has his sights firmly set on a switch to either the Premier League or La Liga, with United considered the most likely destination. Tottenham have also registered their interest, though Roberto De Zerbi's side are focusing on Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi.
Financial Details and Profit
The reported fee would represent a handsome profit on the £42.4 million Milan paid Lille to acquire Leao's services in 2019. A resolution to his future is anticipated once Portugal's World Cup campaign concludes. Portugal edged past Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 and face Spain next on Monday.
Leao's Recent Form and Milan's Season
The former Lille forward endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign at Milan, contributing 10 goals and three assists across 31 appearances in all competitions. The Rossoneri, who appointed ex-Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach in mid-June, finished fifth in Serie A and failed to secure a place in the Champions League.
