Leao, desire for renewal with Milan. From July it is decided

Rafa spends his holidays between his Lisbon and Paris. He is working on a signature in 2027, paying Sporting

Rafael Leao is a consistent man: on and off the pitch, a creative. Rafa carries his braids around the pitch to the beat of the music and music is one of his two passions. The other, a few doubts, is fashion, as demonstrated by its “Son is Son” brand. Leao was yesterday at the Paris fashion shows, where he stood out in a denim jacket. Thus his holidays live on improvisations like his matches. The best player in Serie A 2022 has chosen Lisbon as a base. There he spends most of his days with his family and friends of all time. The context in which he grew up is not the simplest in the world but Rafael has left his heart at home and there, when he can, he returns. As champion of Italy this summer he will probably take a vacation – Ibiza? Marbella? -and he will return to Milan at the beginning of July, in time for the classic visits to Milanello and for the retreat. Milan will start on 4 July, who played for the national team about a week late.

SPORTING FACTOR

Leao, however, in these days lives with a suspended soul, like the boys in the summer holidays before returning to school. Rafael knows that in July, on his return to Milan, discussions on the renewal await him. Delicate discussions. The most important starting point is this: Milan and Rafael want to continue together and even in these weeks they are working to continue together. The negotiation will probably be long – months, not days … – and delicate, with two central problems. The almost 20 million in compensation due to Sporting Lisbon, which obviously worries Leao a lot, and the decision in March to rely on a French lawyer with no experience in football. Jorge Mendes, an “abandoned” agent but not yet out of the game, is a variable on the negotiation. Cold blood and wisdom will be needed on Leao’s part, called to make heavy decisions for his future.

CLAUSE

Milan, with Rafael, will try to set up a total agreement for a long renewal, almost certainly in 2027. A five-year period to lock down the number 17 and not lose it to zero as happened with Kessie, Donnarumma, Calhanoglu. It is likely that a new release clause will be included in that contract, as per the classic set-up in situations like these. The fans, who are cheering for the same final that Leao and Milan wanted, get comfortable. It won’t be quick and it won’t be easy. But that renewal can really come.

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