Around Rafael Leao, the debate has now been heated for weeks: some defend him, some criticise him, some would even gladly show him the door, fuelled in part by transfer rumours that see the Portuguese as a central figure. But the real question is another, far more uncomfortable one: are we really so sure that Milan can afford to sell him, perhaps even at a cut price, with the very real risk of replacing him with a player nowhere near his level? It is only right to expect more from someone like him, of course, but one must be careful not to confuse disappointment with clarity. Because Leao, even in a less brilliant season than expected, remains one of the very few in the squad capable of shifting the balance.
A less sparkling season, but the numbers still matter
Yes, this year Leao has seemed more lethargic than usual. Yes, people always expect from him the final breakthrough, relentless consistency, the sense of total dominance. But then there are the numbers, which speak clearly: 27 appearances this season, 10 goals (so double digits) and 3 assists. We are not talking about a player who has disappeared, but one who, despite dealing with a groin injury, has continued to make an impact and decide matches (in his own way). Is it enough? For someone like Leao, no. But is it enough to write him off as a problem rather than a resource? Absolutely not. In fact, that would be a dangerously superficial reading, as pointed out via Milannews.it today.
The Theo case should have taught something
Before making such a significant decision, Milan should remember one thing very well: offloading a top player too quickly can be an own goal, especially if you do not replace him with someone of equal quality. The Theo Hernández case proved it fully. For months last year, people said "anyone would be better than this Theo Hernández", only to end up missing his influence, personality and surging runs. With the Rossonero number 10, the risk is identical, perhaps even greater. Also because, given how the ownership has acted in recent seasons, the fear is not only losing him, but replacing him with an inferior profile. That is why the focus of the debate should be this: it is entirely right to expect and demand more from Leao, but thinking of getting rid of him lightly would be a huge mistake.
