AC Milan has made up its mind. The club wants Rafael Leao out this summer. They’re willing to let him go for around $65 million (€60m) or more. But here’s the thing: nobody has actually made an offer yet.
According to multiple reports from Italy, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport, Milan’s ownership — specifically Gerry Cardinale — is fed up with the Portuguese winger. The relationship has soured to the point where the club is actively shopping him around. They even hope his performances at the 2026 World Cup will drive up his price. So far, Leao has one goal and one assist in that tournament. He’s also made it clear he wants a new challenge this summer.
The Contract and the Reality
Leao is under contract at San Siro through 2028. His release clause is set at a whopping $190 million (€175m), but the club isn’t expecting anyone to trigger that. They’re looking for something in the $65 million range, maybe a little more if a bidding war breaks out. Milan also wants to extend Christian Pulisic’s contract, which makes Leao’s departure even more likely given roster and salary cap considerations.
The problem is that no formal proposals have landed. Gazzetta reports that Barcelona and Manchester United have only made initial inquiries. Tottenham has been approached about Leao as well. But none of those clubs have put a concrete offer on the table. Spurs are still evaluating their options for the left wing. Barca and United are apparently in the same boat.
Leao, for his part, isn’t interested in leaving Europe’s top leagues. Offers from Saudi Arabia or Turkey? Not happening. He’ll wait for a club from England, Spain, Italy, or Germany to step up.
Why the Holdup?
It’s not that Leao isn’t talented. The 27-year-old winger has electric pace, can beat defenders one-on-one, and has shown flashes of being a game-changer in Serie A. But consistency has always been the knock on him. Some scouts wonder if he’s worth the asking price plus the wages he’d demand. That hesitation might explain why the phone hasn’t rung off the hook.
Milan is betting that the World Cup will change that. If Leao goes on a run for Portugal over the next couple weeks, that price tag could climb fast. But if he doesn’t, the club might have to lower its expectations or get creative with a deal structure.
Either way, this is a waiting game. Milan wants to sell. Leao wants to leave. The market just hasn’t caught up yet.
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