AC Milan getting ready for Leao exit
Rafael Leao is almost certainly on his way away from Milan. Now the club is planning a completely new attack, with Norwegian Alexander Sørloth as the hottest name on the wish list.
For a strange reason, Sørloth sat on the bench during Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash against Arsenal yesterday Wednesday. The game’s two goals both came on penalties. – Manager Diego Simeone’s lack of faith in Sørloth is what opens the door for other clubs. For AC Milan’s part, money through player sales must be collected first.
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Milan are preparing for a major attacking boost if Rafa Leao leaves this summer. With a possible return to the Champions League in sight, the club wants to renew their front line to the fullest – provided there are no nasty surprises in the final phase of the season.
Manchester United want Leao
Manchester United have once again started to sniff out the Portuguese, who has been a target for the club in the past. With Michael Carrick in third place in the table – and with good control of a Champions League place – the “Red Devils” are already planning for tomorrow’s team.
A FIFA agent is said to have tested the interest of both Leao’s agent and the club on Aldo Rossi. The scenario is now crystal clear: Milan no longer consider Rafa unavailable, and are ready to listen to bids.
United, on the other hand, are looking for a player who can ensure numerical superiority on the left wing, and who can rotate with Matheus Cunha. Their first choice is Morgan Rogers – the very high value Aston Villa winger. In fact, twice as high as the 50 million Milan wants to start Leao negotiations with.
Leao undoubtedly has both speed and qualities, but lacks the continuity of a world star. That has been his Achilles heel, especially in the last two seasons in Milan.
So far, no talks between the clubs have started, but there are those who spin threads to get the leads around the same table. The goal is to send Rafa across the channel – preferably with a player included in the deal. But Milan would rather only have money.
Zirkzee can return to Italy
Talks between Milan and United will intensify once the season is over, and both clubs have mathematically secured their Champions League play. The English, who are now two points away from being completely safe, want to get rid of players who are no longer part of the plans – or who have played far less than expected.
Joshua Zirkzee falls into both categories. The Dutchman has flopped in the Premier League after 11 goals in Serie A with Bologna in 2023-24. Last season, he played over 2200 minutes and reached 50 games. In 2025-26, he is down to 551 minutes spread over 21 games.
Milan considered Zirkzee in the summer of 2024, but withdrew – not because of Bologna’s 40 million clause, but because of the commissions demanded from agent Kia Joorabchian.
Now the situation is different. The former Bologna player could become the third “tenor” in an attacking department with Christian Pulisic and Alexander Sørloth – who is currently the first choice as a striker. Zirkzee is not a typical striker, but has different qualities than Pulisic and Sørloth, and combines well with them.
Ugarte and Rashford could also be relevant
On the list of United players Milan could potentially fish from, we also find midfielder Manuel Ugarte and winger Marcus Rashford. Both have far fewer chances than the Dutchman.
Ugarte is on the fringes, and Jorge Mendes has already offered him to Juventus. Rashford could end up at Barcelona for €30 million, but that is far from certain. If Barça don’t keep him, Joan Laporta could instead turn to Leao – but for now, there are no strong signals that Rafa is on his way to Spain. Manchester, on the other hand, is a clear possibility.
Rashford was in Milan’s spotlight in January 2025, but was put on ice due to his net annual salary of €13 million.
Leao: From hero to boo
In the event of a farewell, Leao will leave Milan after arriving in the summer of 2019. He has a contract until 2028, which guarantees him 5.5 million net plus bonuses. United will have no trouble matching – or exceeding – that amount.
On the other hand, it is impossible for Milan to get the expiry clause of 175 million. At his hopeful best, the club hoped that he would become one of the world’s best. Now leaders Furlani and Tare would have been satisfied with a third.
The booing from the home crowd in the last two games, combined with having been used in the unpopular striker role, makes Rafa think of a farewell to the club he has taken to heart.
The condition from people around him is clear: The offer must come from a top club. He only wants to leave Milan for a club with the same prestige. For the time being, he has turned down Arabia.
Sørloth winks at Milan
With Leao’s exit, Milan get money to attack Norwegian Alexander Sørloth. The striker wants to leave Atlético Madrid, and he clearly winks at the Rossoneri.
The alternative is to choose one of the other clubs keep an eye on:
- Nicolas Jackson, back to Chelsea after loan
- Dušan Vlahović, who has not yet renewed with Juventus
- Gonçalo Ramos, whom Allegri likes as much as Sørloth – but who costs significantly more
Milan are facing a hot attacking summer. The question is whether they will be able to sell their star player – and if so, who will replace him.
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