Manchester United is on high alert: Rafael Leão, the “magician” of AC Milan valued at £43 million, is making a direct appeal to the Premier League and does not hide his admiration for the Red Devils. The Portuguese forward, struggling at San Siro, openly admits to being a fan of the English club, leaving open the possibility of a transfer that could shake up the summer market.
The scenario could not be more explosive. Manchester United is preparing for a revolution in its midfield, but Michael Carrick, the interim technical director, has already admitted that the team needs a right-footed left winger, a position that Rafael Leão fits perfectly. After a season to forget in Italy, where he was even booed by his own fans, the Portuguese international seems ready to turn the page.
Leão, an undeniable star of AC Milan since 2019 and named the best player in Serie A for the 2021/22 season, does not hide his passion for the Premier League: “Of course I watch a lot of Premier League,” he confessed in an interview with the BBC via Alfredopedulla.com. “I like Manchester United, especially because of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but I also follow Arsenal on television.” Words that cannot be ignored by any sporting director.
The situation at AC Milan has worsened in recent weeks, with a free fall in the championship that ultimately cost them a place in the Champions League, finishing the season in fifth place. Leão, who struggled with Max Allegri’s 3-5-2 tactical formation, now faces an uncertain future, especially after the coach’s departure, with a new manager yet to be announced.
This public statement from Leão may be a sign that he is ready to embark on a new adventure, and Manchester United, with the support of INEOS and Jason Wilcox, could be the ideal destination. The player’s value, estimated at around €50 million — a price considered affordable for a talent of this caliber — only makes the deal more appealing.
However, the needs of the Old Trafford team are evolving. The recent promising performances from Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu on the left flank may lead Carrick to reconsider the urgency of signing a winger for this position. Additionally, Dorgu, originally a left-back, could be a solution for the defense, where Manchester United lacks depth, especially with Luke Shaw unable to secure all the games in a more demanding season due to the return of the Champions League.
Thus, despite the allure and potential of Leão, the priority may shift towards strengthening the left-back position rather than investing in a winger. It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese player can entice the decision-makers at Old Trafford and become the next major signing for a team looking to shine again on the European stage. One thing is certain: the transfer window promises to be hot, and Rafael Leão is at the eye of the storm.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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