Portugal star Rafael Leao is apparently being considered by Paris Saint-Germain as a Lionel Messi replacement if the Argentine quits Parc des Princes this summer. The legendary Argentine is bound to become a free agent at the end of the season if a new agreement is not reached between him and the Parisians. This might compel PSG to look for his successor on the market.
Leao has reportedly been identified by the Parisians as a potential target, according to Calcio Mercato. The AC Milan winger’s contract is set to expires at the end of the next season and currently bears a staggering €120m release clause with it. Leao has found himself on the list of a host of Europe’s elite clubs, with the Premier League giants Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United all in the fray.
PSG to exploit Leao’s contract stand-off with Milan to bring him in as Lionel Messi successor
One of the best forwards in the league, Leao has contributed nine goals and ten assists in 35 games across competitions this season for Milan. His brilliant season follows an outstanding 21/22 campaign wherein the Portugal international racked up 12 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances, also helping Milan to their first league title since 2011. As a result of his achievements, he was awarded ‘Serie A Player of the Season’, given his 11 goals and 10 assists in the league.
it was no surprise that the Europe’s elites will flock outside the San Siro to ask for Leao’s signature. While Milan held an upper hand in the situation, Leao stayed back for another season with the Rossoneri. However, the reigning Serie A champions may be forced to settle for a bargain fee for Leao’s due to his contract dispute. The winger’s current deal runs down in just over 12 months, with Milan having the upcoming summer transfer window, and the subsequent winter market to sell the player for a decent fee.
PSG have now entered the race to sign Leao, thanks to their own contractual dispute with Lionel Messi. It was reported that the 35-year-old had a verbal pact with the Parisians after lifting the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar to extend his stay at the club by another season or two. However, it appears that the verbal pact has had held no value as the ex-Barca star is considering his future in France.
As a result, the Ligue 1 leaders want Leao to replace Messi in the French capital. However, it won’t be simple to replace the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Argentine playmaker has had a fantastic season despite all the criticism of his performance for PSG in the UEFA Champions League. He has recorded a brilliant 18 goals and 17 assists in just 32 outings for the club.
This summer, PSG will have the enormous task of trying to identify a player who can match Messi’s effect. Luis Campos, the club’s sporting director is keeping an eye on Leao in the interim since he feels the 24-year-old is the best choice to replace Lionel Messi in Christophe Galtier’s frontline. The Argentine’s contract expires in June, and after a below-par two-year stay in Paris, he seems certain to leave. A return to Barcelona has been touted, with the Blaugrana apparently coming up with creative solutions to meet any potential financial demands their ex-captain could have.