Rafael Leao's future continues to dominate discussions at AC Milan. Over the past few weeks, the Portuguese forward has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to leave the club after seven years. His dream remains a move to either the Premier League or La Liga, but so far the only interest has come from Turkiye.
It is worth noting, however, that neither Fenerbahçe nor Galatasaray has submitted an official offer to Milan at this stage. The Rossoneri are still waiting for concrete proposals, as their incoming transfer business remains effectively on hold until Leao is sold.
According to this morning's edition of Tuttosport, Milan have set clear conditions for approving the winger's departure. The club will only consider a permanent transfer worth at least €50 million upfront, with bonuses (many of them relatively easy to achieve) bringing the total package to around €60 million.
For now, the situation remains at a standstill, and for negotiations to move forward, one of the parties involved will need to soften its position. In the coming hours, Gerry Cardinale is expected to return to Milan to attend the funeral of Franco Baresi, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning at the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio. It remains to be seen whether, together with CEO Massimo Calvelli and 'Director of Player Trading' Hendrik Almstadt, he will decide to adjust the club's strategy in an effort to facilitate Leao's swift departure.
Could Leao stay at Milan eventually?
Meanwhile, Leao has been in Australia for several days and has resumed training with the rest of the Milan squad. Reports from Perth suggest that the Portuguese international has already developed a positive relationship with new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Wednesday's Derby della Madonnina against Inter is next on the schedule, and Leao is expected to feature, although he is unlikely to start the match. If the current deadlock remains unresolved, the possibility of him staying at Milan cannot be ruled out. Even so, it is a scenario that none of the parties involved would ideally want, as it appears that the relationship between the player, the club, and the supporters has suffered irreparable damage.
