Manchester City are eyeing up a big move for Rafael Leao next summer, but his new contract at AC Milan complicates things.
Fichajes reckons Manchester City will target Rafael Leao as their big summer signing next summer. The AC Milan star featured on Pep Guardiola’s shortlist. but his recent new San Siro contract could complicate things.
Rafael Leao was off the market during the summer due to the new contract he agreed with AC Milan until 2028. The new deal also includes a mammoth release clause, which could reportedly be around €175 million, enough to thwart off interest from potential suitors.
Had the 24-year-old Serie A winner decided against signing the new contract, AC Milan would have to accept a reasonable offer. However, with Leao being the top name at the club, the Serie A giants had to do everything possible to retain his services.
Interest from top clubs across the continent is also nothing new. Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United have shown interest. Manchester City had also earmarked to bring him, but that was before he signed his new deal at the San Siro.
Pep Guardiola wanted a big-name attacker to add to his squad. Some reports suggested he had requested the Manchester City board to bring the 24-year-old Serie A winner before signing his new deal at the club.
They brought Jeremy Doku from Rennes in the summer, with the Belgian replacing the departed Riyad Mahrez. Guardiola wants to focus on the left wing and get Leao as potential competition to Jack Grealish to improve his attacking setup.
AC Milan have no obligation to accept any fee lesser than or close to Leao’s release clause. Manchester City are one of the few clubs capable of financing such a move, and they have a healthy balance sheet following an impressive summer selling many of their academy talents. The Cole Palmer deal to join Chelsea may have also been their biggest sale during the window.
Hence, in terms of net spending, Manchester City are in a healthy position to pay up what is necessary to land the 24-year-old Milan winger. Whether they can convince Leao about a move so soon after his contract extension remains the question. But any big decision will rely on the Serie A side, and if they say no, then Manchester City may have to bow out.
