Rafael Leao's future is yet to be written. We are approaching the World Cup in Qatar and the renewal has not come yet. Paolo Maldini had planned and hoped that he could reach an agreement for the contract extension with the player's agent before the coming break.
The Portuguese forward showed that he is happy in Milan, he is always seen enjoying himself with the fans. But, the problem is economic. The dispute with Sporting Lisbon means that he must pay around 19 million euros to the Portuguese club which is a lot of money, obviously. Some reports suggest that the left-winger and his entourage are asking that AC Milan must pay part of the fine in order to keep the player.
Besides that issue, Leao is now represented by French lawyer Ted Dimvula and negotiations should be started with him now.
For the next few weeks, no meetings are planned between the parties and foreign clubs are calling to ask for information. In January, there should be a lot of contacts from important European clubs and especially in June if AC Milan fail to find the agreement for the renewal of Rafael Leao's contract.
According to what is reported by Calciomercato.com, the Rossoneri management think of accepting an offer if it is between 80 to 100 million euros if an extension does not arrive.
At this point, Maldini and Massara's strategy needs to be reviewed. There are not many ways : to renew by accepting Leao's requests or to sell him as soon as possible, even in winter, writes the Italy-based website. AC Milan have lost Franck Kessié, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hakan Calhanoglu without monetising. Losing Leao on a free too would even be a bigger mistake.
