Rafael Leao is one of the hottest prospects in Europe. Since joining AC Milan from Lille in 2019, the Portuguese winger has seen a soar in his market value, thanks to his consistent performances for the Italian giants. His development over the past few years has been astronomical, making him a target for many European clubs.
In light of recent reports that PSG are looking to sign him, a counter-report has surfaced, claiming Rafael Leao prefers a move to leagues other than Ligue 1, where he played from 2018 to 2019 for Lille before joining AC Milan in the summer of 2019. Where is Leao most likely to end up as his AC Milan career nears its end?
Rafael Leao reportedly eyeing La Liga or PL move
Rafael Leao’s stock has risen greatly over the past few years, making him an easy target for big European clubs with more potential for trophies than AC Milan, where the Portuguese winger is currently starring.
Amidst reports that PSG are weighing up a move for Rafael Leao, the Portuguese youngster has other ideas, as he favors a move to either La Liga or the English Premier League.
Leao played in Ligue 1 for a season at Lille after joining the French club from his boyhood club Sporting CP. Although he ended up scoring eight competitive goals all season for Lille, it was enough to convince AC Milan to spend $39 million to bring him to San Siro, where he penned a 5-year contract.
Leao has been a mainstay in the Milan team ever since and played a crucial role in their return to the summit of Italian football in 2022, when AC Milan claimed the Scudetto.
That same season, Leao was voted the Serie A MVP and helped the club into the semi-final of last season’s UCL, where they were defeated by bitter rivals Inter Milan.
Contract details of Leao comes to the fore
Rafael Leao’s rise in the past few seasons has been meteoric and has attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world. Last summer, the AC Milan winger was tempted by a big-money contract to join his compatriot and idol Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, but the youngster claimed playing in the Champions League was worth more than a $10 million contract.
With big clubs circling with the hope of snapping him up, Leao’s contract details at AC Milan have been revealed. According to renowned journalist Santi Aouna, the AC Milan winger has a release clause of €175 million, which is active from July 5 to July 15 every year until 2028, which is the end of Leao’s contract with the Rossoneri.
It was also reported that any club that activates the clause can pay it in multiple installments, making it easier for clubs to trigger it.
