Rafael Leão is set to say goodbye to AC Milan, in a twist that is shaking up the transfer market and leaving Rossoneri fans in shock. After seven intense seasons in Italy, the Portuguese international sees his connection to the Milanese club coming to an end, in a decision that promises to shake the foundations of European football.
This season has been a true nightmare for Leão. With only 10 goals and three assists in 27 matches, the 26-year-old forward – who will turn 27 next month – has failed to replicate the brilliance that so captivated in previous seasons. According to the Italian press, particularly Gazzetta dello Sport, his place in the starting eleven is at risk in the last three rounds of Serie A, against Atalanta, Genoa, and Cagliari. Massimiliano Allegri, Milan’s coach, seems to be preparing the ground for a revolution in attack.
Despite Milan being well positioned to secure a spot in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, qualification is not yet guaranteed. With a three-point lead over Roma, who sit in fifth place, this Sunday’s decisive clash against Atalanta could be the key moment for the team and for Leão’s future.
Rafael Leão’s story at Milan has been marked by ups and downs. Since joining in 2019, the forward has made 289 appearances for the club, 219 of them as a starter, and scored 80 goals – only two from penalties – becoming a key player in the conquest of the Scudetto in 2022, where he was named the best player of the Italian championship. The following year, he was decisive in Milan’s journey to the semi-finals of the Champions League, a stage at which Chelsea even made a formal offer of 100 million euros for the Portuguese player.
However, the last few seasons have been disappointing. Under the management of Paulo Fonseca and Sérgio Conceição, Leão has struggled to maintain the consistency and performance level expected. With Allegri, the situation did not improve: as a striker, he scored only nine goals by May, failing to surpass the double-digit mark. The positional change, which initially justified some decline in performance, no longer serves as an explanation. Even when he played in his preferred position on the left side, his displays were lukewarm, receiving severe criticism from the press and fans.
Boos at San Siro reflect the growing frustration: backward passes, little offensive aggression, and a lack of impact that contrast with the talent everyone knows. Rafael Leão’s future seems inevitably away from Milan, and the summer market promises to be one of the hottest deals of the upcoming season. It remains to be seen which club will be brave enough to bet on the Portuguese and restore the brilliance that made him one of the biggest prospects in European football.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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