- Man Utd want Rafael Leao
- AC Milan star wants summer transfer
- Could replace Marcus Rashford
Rafael Leao wants “a new challenge” and that could come with Manchester United. The Portuguese forward is ready to leave AC Milan this summer.
United have been linked with Leao in recent weeks as they prepare for life without Marcus Rashford. The English attacker has spent the season on loan at Barcelona and is eager to join the Catalans permanently.
Barca are reportedly looking to offer around £13m for the 28-year-old despite agreeing on a £26m buy option last summer. Even if he doesn’t continue at Camp Nou it’s clear that INEOS need to sign a new left winger.
Leao to United?
Rashford’s future looks to lie away from United irrespective of whether that’s with Barca. He is likely to garner interest from other European clubs.
Reports back in May claimed that the Red Devils were eyeing Leao as a replacement. The 26-year-old has a similar profile as he can play out on the left wing and as a centre-forward.
Leao confirmed in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster sport tv that he intends to leave Milan. He said: “I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter. I feel ready to play in another league.”
The Portugal international has already indicated his admiration for United. He previously said that he watches the Reds in the Premier League because he idolises Cristiano Ronaldo.
Intriguingly, Leao played with Bruno Fernandes at Sporting CP at the start of his career. They made just four appearances at club level with one another but have been regulars in Portugal’s national team.
United hold a strong relationship with Sporting due to business conducted between the two clubs over the years. That includes the signings of Ronaldo, Luis Nani, and Fernandes, as well as the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach.
Leao is one of the most exciting forwards in Serie A and has been a talisman for Milan over the years. This season, he has registered nine goals and three assists in 29 top-flight games.
How much for Leao?
Leao will have two years left on his contract this summer, but he’s made it clear he plans to leave Milan. That will aid United in negotiations if they do try to sign the Portuguese winger.
TNT Sports previously reported that the player is likely to cost around £50-60m. That is a reasonable for an attacker of his quality and doesn’t just hand Carrick a new left winger.
Leao can also play up top, and his addition to the squad will help ease the goalscoring burden on Benjamin Sesko. He has plenty of experience, which includes winning the Serie A title with the Rossoneri.
