New Delhi: Italian side AC Milan are reportedly ready to part ways with star winger Rafael Leao this summer, with the Serie A giants prepared to lower their asking price for the Portuguese star. Having previously stood firm against interest from top European clubs, Milan’s stance appears to have softened following their recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
The 25-year-old played a crucial role in Milan’s 2021/22 Serie A title-winning campaign and was rewarded with a lucrative contract extension in 2023, which included a staggering €175 million release clause, and the club were holding out for the release clause to be paid in full to let the attacker leave but it seems like their stance has changed following recent developments. Milan no longer see Leao as untouchable and could now accept bids significantly below that figure.
Reports suggest the club is willing to start negotiations at €80 million, a price tag that could reignite interest from long-term admirers such as Chelsea and Barcelona. Reports in the summer even indicated strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and with a number Portuguese players playing in the middle east now, he could become the latest one to join that list.
Despite his undeniable talent, Milan are reportedly concerned that Leao has not progressed as expected in recent years. While he remains an important player, his numbers have not improved significantly since his standout performances between 2021 and 2023. This season, he has managed just nine goals and eight assists in 35 appearances— a dip from his 2022/23 tally of 16 goals and 14 assists in 48 games.
Leao could be out the exit door in the summer
AC Milan are ready to listen to offers for winger Rafael Leao this summer, a report has claimed, with the Serie A side prepared to slash their asking price for the 25-year-old.
Leao joined Milan in 2019 and played an integral role in the 2021/22 Serie A title-winning season,… pic.twitter.com/5gi2jiPPoM
— Elochukwu (@elosim_soy) February 20, 2025
With Milan looking to restructure their squad following another underwhelming European campaign, cashing in on Leao could help fund key reinforcements. Additionally, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are said to be monitoring the situation, offering Milan another potential avenue to maximize their earnings from the winger’s sale. Chelsea, who have been interested in Leao for several transfer windows, may have an edge in negotiations.
Milan are reportedly keen to keep Joao Felix beyond his current loan spell from Chelsea, and a potential swap deal involving Leao could be mutually beneficial for both clubs. Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite their well-documented financial struggles, remain admirers of the Portuguese international and could explore a creative deal to bring him to Camp Nou. The club are looking at bringing in more attackers to the club and were linked with Marcus Rashford in the winter window as well.
With Milan now open to offers, Leao’s future is likely to dominate headlines in the upcoming summer transfer window. While a move to a European powerhouse remains the most probable outcome, interest from Saudi clubs could complicate matters. What is clear, however, is that Milan are ready to listen to offers— marking a significant shift in their stance on one of their prized assets.
Serie A giants AC Milan have reportedly slashed their asking price for star forward Rafael Leao for the coming window amidst interest from both Barcelona and Chelsea among others. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
