Manchester City and Hugo Viana exploring £60M transfer for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao | OneFootball

Manchester City could explore a summer move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer but will face competition for his signature, as per a new report.

Leao is one of Europe’s most entertaining and talented wingers, with nine goals in the Serie A this season. AC Milan are third in the Italian top-flight at present – behind Napoli and Inter Milan, the latter close to being crowned champions.

With Portugal heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Leao is expected to play a leading role for his nation alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva.

Report: Man City could sign Leao as AC Milan eye exodus

The marquee tournament will offer the 26-year-old the perfect opportunity to intensify existing interest from major European clubs as AC Milan grapple with financial difficulties ahead of the summer transfer window.

So far, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have kept an eye on Leao, while Barcelona were interested but are vying to establish more economical options. 

AC Milan are understood to be open to offers for a number of their top players and they look to balance the books with the strict financial guidelines of the Italian top-flight, according to the Daily Mail.

Do Man City want to shore up their attack?

By age, the talented winger – who is valued at £60 million at San Siro – is set to enter his prime years but has only two years left on his contract – which could drop his price significantly.

Milan have recognised that they may have to sell to help strengthen other areas of their squad. For City, Portuguese sporting director Hugo Viana could have a soft spot for Leao but it remains to be seen whether that connection could lure the winger to the Etihad Stadium. 

Manchester City could also see Pep Guardiola leave as manager this summer despite his contract running until 2027, though the Catalan has maintained publicly that he remains under contract and it now appears that he is almost certain to complete a decade in England.

Who else is interested in signing Rafael Leao?

Across Manchester, United interim coach Michael Carrick is on the brink of securing UEFA Champions League football at Old Trafford for the 2026-27 campaign and a move for Leao would be easier to cough up funds for with that additional cash boost.

Liverpool will be the hungriest for a winger following the news that Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season after over 430 appearances for the club. 

And Real Madrid, who have Vinicius Jr. on the left wing, are still hopeful to freshen up a team that has underachieved this season under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa – and could bolster their options at the top of the pitch.

Leao can play out wide or centrally and utilises an unforgiving talent with the ball at his feet. The Portugal international is quick, can dribble with little error and shoot from practically any angle with a high rate of success. The race is on, and will certainly heat up with a standout summer across the Atlantic.