Manchester United has received a decisive boost in the race to secure a top left winger, after Rafael Leão officially announced his intention to leave AC Milan. The 26-year-old Portuguese forward did not hide his desire to embrace a new challenge in a different league, in an exclusive interview with Sport TV that promises to shake up the transfer market.
“I think I gave everything to Milan,” Leão stated, making it clear that he feels he has completed his cycle at the Italian club. “It’s a club that helped me grow a lot, supported me in difficult times, and I am happy to have written my name in the club’s history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the goals they want to achieve — and I also want to try a new challenge in a new league.”
The Portuguese international’s statement could not be clearer: he is ready to leave the Rossoneri and explore new horizons, something that puts Manchester United in a privileged position in the fight for his signature. The English club, which is looking to strengthen the left flank of its attack, sees Leão as the ideal player thanks to his blistering speed and direct dribbling style — characteristics that fit perfectly with the intense football of the Premier League.
In addition to talent, there is also an emotional reason that connects Leão to the Red Devils. The player has previously hinted that he has a strong bond with Manchester United since childhood, influenced by his national idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who shone at the English club.
The departure of AC Milan comes at a delicate moment for the Rossoneri, who had a troubled 2025–26 season in Serie A, finishing in fifth place after a defeat in the final match against Cagliari, thus failing to qualify for the Champions League. This disappointing campaign, coupled with the departure of coach Massimiliano Allegri and rising tensions between Leão and the club’s management, has weakened the forward’s position in the squad.
With the transfer window opening, this scenario puts Manchester United in a favorable position to secure one of the most promising talents in European football. Leão’s public confirmation of his desire to leave is a clear signal that the English club should move quickly to finalize the deal and decisively strengthen their attack for the upcoming season.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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