Rafael Leão: Man United attacking target’s league preference stated

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·8 Juni 2026

Rafael Leão: Man United attacking target’s league preference stated

Despite finishing third in the Premier League this season, Manchester United have earmarked this summer as a time to strengthen the squad.

Summer targets

The club are predominantly working on midfield targets at the moment, with Ederson already all but wrapped up.

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United are also in talks over several midfielders, such as Mateus Fernandes at West Ham United, and have a long-standing interest in players like AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

The Red Devils are thinking beyond the midfield, though, and have an interest in players at winger and full-back positions. Lewis Hall is reportedly someone whom they would love to make a move for if a deal opportunity materialises.

Rafael Leao

Michael Carrick’s side have also been linked to wingers and were interested in Antoine Semenyo in January before he decided to move to Manchester City.

United have been linked to AC Milan winger Rafael Leao after he announced that he would be leaving his current side after his duties with Portugal at the World Cup.

The Portuguese winger has already stated that he sees himself playing in the Premier League or La Liga next season, after spending his career in Portugal, France, and Italy since 2019.

Further preference

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has highlighted in his YouTube update that Leao also has a preference for the Premier League, which would certainly aid United’s drive to sign the 26-year-old.

Romano explained, “the feeling around Rafael, and from those close to him, is that the Premier League would be the absolute dream move and the ideal destination. He has had some calls from Turkish clubs over the recent weeks, but Rafael wants to wait. He believes that the World Cup can open new doors for him.”

The Italian journalist continued to explain, “he feels his chapter at Milan is closed. His dream is the Premier League, even before La Liga. In a recent interview, Rafael mentioned Manchester United. A few years ago, he was mentioning Arsenal. We will see what’s going to happen in terms of the ideal club and ideal opportunities for Leão.”

Romano did suggest that no deal is advanced with any Premier League team yet and that certain difficulties will have to be overcome, such as his injury-hit season at Milan.

Nonetheless, after the World Cup, this is certainly a transfer that will gain traction.