Rafael Leao’s next club: Ranking the three most likely destinations | OneFootball

AC Milan’s decision to put Rafael Leao up for sale was front-page news in Italian football at the beginning of the summer.

Leao, who joined Milan from Lille in 2019, has become one of the most influential figures for the club.

However, after a disappointing 2025/26 season, the 27-year-old is set to bid farewell to the Rossoneri.

With his contract due to expire in 2028, the 19-time Serie A champions are keen to cash in this summer. Here are three potential landing spots for Leao.

#3 Fenerbahce

According to Italian outlet Sport Mediaset, Fenerbahce have submitted an official €40 million bid for Leao, who has spent the last few days training at Corinthians’ home ground in Sao Paulo.

Fenerbahce would ideally sign Leao on loan with an obligation to buy, but Milan already warned other suitors, including Benfica and Galatasaray, that they will only entertain a permanent deal.

A transfer to the Turkish Super Lig at this stage of his career would be a step back for Leao, but an eye-watering €12m contract offer could convince him to move to Istanbul.

It’s been a busy summer for the Yellow Canaries. In addition to signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City, they hijacked Roma’s pursuit of Mason Greenwood.

Manager Ismail Kartal is building an ambitious project at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium as Fenerbahce seek their first league title since 2013/14.

Adding a player of Leao’s quality and stature would represent a major statement of intent.

The 27-year-old is at the peak of his powers, and his arrival would instantly elevate the Istanbul giants’ chances of ending their long wait for Super Lig glory.

#2 Serie A suitors

While Leao’s career at Milan appears to be dead in the water, there’s a slim chance that he could stay in Serie A.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has reportedly offered his client to Roma, who are in the market for a new winger after failing to sign Crysencio Summerville and Greenwood.

Gian Piero Gasperini steered the Giallorossi to their first top-four finish since 2017/18 last season and is now aiming to raise the bar.

With Roma set to compete in the Champions League for the first time in nearly a decade, Gasperini is eager to add proven quality to his squad.

Leao would undoubtedly fit the bill, but Milan’s substantial asking price and his hefty wage demands make a deal difficult to pull off.

However, if anyone can help Roma overcome those obstacles, it’s Mendes. The only uncertainty is the Portuguese forward’s readiness to move to the Stadio Olimpico.

#1 Premier League interest

Manchester United had emerged as one of the leading candidates to sign Leao earlier in the summer, but their interest has since waned.

Leao’s underwhelming 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign did little to strengthen his appeal, but a big-money transfer to the Premier League remains an option.

Despite signing Alejandro Garnacho to fill the void left by Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea, Aston Villa need a high-profile attacking addition.

Several reputable outlets have linked them with Leao in recent weeks, suggesting he is high on their shortlist.

With Champions League football once again on offer, the Birmingham club could provide the ideal platform for Leao to reignite his career.

More importantly, they have the resources to finance a deal of this magnitude.