With the arrival of a highly experienced and strong-character coach like Massimiliano Allegri, many had expected this to be the season in which Rafael Leão would finally make a definitive leap in quality. However, once again, it hasn’t happened. Groin pain (pubalgia) has unfortunately affected (and continues to heavily affect) his performances on the pitch. Still, everyone expected more, especially the fans, who loudly booed him during Saturday’s match against Udinese Calcio. It’s hard to recall so many jeers directed at the Portuguese player, whose attitude on the field has often been a particular point of criticism.
Something has broken
As reported this morning by Tuttosport, there is a growing feeling that something has fractured between AC Milan and Leão, and that this may be the “classic” seventh-season crisis. In recent weeks, some of his behaviour at Milanello has irritated the club’s management, just as they were far from pleased with the well-known scene at the Olimpico involving Christian Pulisic and Allegri. As a result, talks that had already begun over extending his contract, currently set to expire on 30 June 2028, until 2030 have now been put on hold.
Leaving in the summer?
In fact, Rafael Leão’s time at Milan now seems to be drawing to a close, and if offers arrive in the summer, the club will consider them. But how much could Milan earn from his potential sale? Back in 2022, the Rossoneri turned down offers of nearly €100 million from Chelsea FC, including cash and player exchanges. Today, however, it’s hard to imagine a club offering more than €50 million. In the past, there had been enquiries from major European sides such as FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich, but nothing concrete followed. The hope at Via Aldo Rossi is that interest might emerge from the Premier League or perhaps from Saudi Arabia, unless the World Cup revitalises the Portuguese forward and convinces another club to invest heavily in him.
