Rafael Leão puts pressure on AC Milan and forces his exit

Market value fell drastically

“He is coming to an age when a player reaches his peak performance,” said the recently fired Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri last year, to emphasize: Rafael Leão (26) is staying. A year later, the winger made clear calls for him to say goodbye to the Rossoneri. The Milanese missed out on qualifying for the Champions League for the second time in a row this season.

The Portuguese told the local broadcaster “Sport TV” that he gave everything for Milan. But it’s not just Milan that the champion and footballer of the year wants to leave in 2022. Leão also sees his future outside of Italy. He extended his contract with Milan in 2023 for five years, i.e. until 2028. “I think everyone has dreams, ambitions and challenges that they want to face,” said the former sporting talent. “I’m looking for a new challenge in a different league. And if that happens, I would be very happy. Also because I know that I did a good job at AC Milan.”

For now, however, the focus for the 45-time national player is on the World Cup. “I want to play a good World Cup and help my national team. And then, when the time is right, I will look at the best options for my future career to continue playing at the highest level in European football.” His 2025/26 season was one of the weakest that Leão experienced in a Milan jersey. He scored ten goals and three assists in 31 competitive games. In the four previous seasons he always collected between 26 and 31 scorer points in never fewer than 42 games. This time, however, the team was not represented in international business.

Bayern spoke to Leão and brought in Díaz

Rumors about possible new employers for Leão are currently few and far between – at least compared to last year. Manchester United is being discussed in the TM rumor mill, as are Istanbul clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. In July last year, before Allegri assured Leão’s whereabouts, FC Bayern, among others, was mentioned as interested. Honorary President Uli Hoeneß revealed that sports director Max Eberl had had discussions regarding the Portuguese, but they were “not productive”. The Munich team then brought in Luis Díaz from Liverpool FC for a market value transfer of 70 million euros.

Leão’s market value was that high at the same time. However, over the course of the comparatively weak season, the valuation fell drastically. After a small devaluation in December, Leão suddenly lost 15 million euros in the Serie A update on Transfermarkt last Friday and is now at 50 million euros.