AC Milan’s top scorers
AC Milan were without their most valuable player and best attacker in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter (0-2): Rafael Leão (23) was absent due to an injury sustained against Lazio (2-0). At least sports director Paolo Maldini provided good news about the Portuguese, because he confirmed the upcoming extension with the national player.
“We’re close, it’s true. The last details have been clarified,” said Maldini on the TV station.Sky sports“. He also emphasized that both sides had always intended to extend the contract. From “The Athletic“It was said on Wednesday that Leão has already signed and the working paper is now valid until 2028. The Spanish portal “Relevo” had already reported on an agreement between Leão and Milan at the beginning of April. According to the “Gazzetta dello Sport”, the striker would earn 5 million euros net a year after signing – up to 7 million euros with bonuses. According to reports, the attacker, who was voted Serie A player of the 2021/22 season by the TM community, is currently receiving 1.4 million euros. As of now, his contract expires in 2024, when three players with a market value in excess of Leão’s €80m are available for free.
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The fact that the extension has not worked out so far is also due to the not yet finally clarified situation surrounding Leão’s unilateral contract termination at Sporting 2018 and the subsequent free transfer to Lille. However, the French are said to have agreed to pay the court-imposed fine of 20.3 million euros – that would take the financial pressure off the player (to the background).
When asked about Leão’s level of fitness, Maldini said the Portuguese was doing well: “We expect that he will be there in the second leg, there is no certainty, but we will see.” It was too risky for him to play in the first leg permit. Leão has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, contributing 13 goals and 13 assists, making him by far the best scorer in the squad.
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