Why club may want to think twice before making a move for Rafael Leão | OneFootball

Rafael Leão is a having a season to forget, and Milan have made up their mind and decided to move him on this summer.

The once golden boy of the Rossoneri was booed off the pitch by the San Siro faithful during Milan’s 3–0 defeat to Udinese. His overall tally for the season stands at ten goals and two assists from 26 appearances, making a steep decline from his championship-winning heroics from four seasons ago.

Milan no longer consider the 26-year-old untouchable and will be willing to consider offers as low as €50 million, with Leao still having two years remaining on his €6.41m-per-year contract. 

Even though Milan have received no fresh bids for him, the Portugal international is not bereft of interest in the transfer market. Chelsea and Man United have been linked with him in recent months, while Barcelona are also expected to be in for him should they decide to not sign Marcus Rashford permanently in the summer. Meanwhile, several clubs from the Saudi Pro League are ready to pounce for him.

However, there is one major factor that has been dictating both Leão’s form and availability this season that his suitors will need to keep in mind.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the former Sporting and Lille man has been struggling all season with pubalgia, a kind of groin lesion. This has kept him on the sidelines for several weeks this season and affected his movement and sprinting ability, both of which have been integral to his preferred style of play over the years. 

While Massimiliano Allegri has played Leão centrally in absence of other strikers, he has flattered to deceive, hinting at struggles with adapting to position changes. 

Leão’s past exploits mean there will always be a market for him should Milan decide to move him on, but everyone involved here — the player, the club, and his suitors — may have to recalibrate their expectations ahead of the summer transfer window.

Anshuman Joshi I GIFN