AC Milan finally rose from their ashes last season as they went to on to clinch their first Scudetto since 2011. The Italian giants were helped by some of their crucial players in Oliver Giround, Theo Hernandez, Sandro Tonali and the one who received some special praise, Rafael Leao in the triumph. The Portuguese winger had a season to remember as his glowing exploits garnered attention from many of Europe’s top clubs.
The first of many were Chelsea, who reportedly did everything possible to acquire the 23-year-old’s services this summer. While Leao chose to stay much to the relief of the Milan fans, club legend and technical director Paolo Maldini has now revealed that the talented player could be sold in near future before his contract expires in 2024.
Maldini admits Rafael Leao “no more non-transferable”
Rafael Leao was snapped up by the Rossoneris in 2019 from LOSC Lille, investing £27 million in the winger who was on the back of 10 goal contributions [8 goals and 2 assists] in 26 games for the French side, further helping them to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. Leao has continued his exploits at San Siro, leading the Italian side to new heights.
The winger racked up double figures in goals scored as well as assists last season in Serie A, netting 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 games, which was a huge contribution to Milan’s Scudetto win. Further on, even before someone could term him a ‘one-season wonder’, Leao has kicked-off the new season with a bang. He so far has scored 3 goals and collected 6 assists in just 8 outings.
However, his heroics from last season didn’t go unnoticed as many clubs circled around the attacker, with Barcelona, Juventus, Arsenal all registering their interest. But the one who led the race to land him were Chelsea, spearheaded by the massive investment of their new owners. Milan did fend-off the strong advances from the Blues, demanding the triggering of the €150 million release clause inserted in their winger’s contract.
On the other hand, the club’s technical director Paolo Maldini now reveals that though the club were able to keep the Portugal international this summer, they may have to entertain offers next year, and even anticipate his sale. The director said:
“[Rafael] Leao has a different situation which comes from his transfer to Lille. This is having an impact, interlocutors have often changed, but Rafa is grateful to us and I take into account what he says. Rafa understands that the path for the next few years must be at Milan. He understands it and he says it. There will be a negotiation, and we know that strong players must be paid for their value.
“If the team improves further, he will have everything to do even more. Have I rejected offers for Leao and Theo Hernandez? I told some not to even show up. The problem is that then they come back, and then you have to decide what to do. In the context of the sustainability of the club, I repeat that we have the accounts in order, and we don’t need to sell anyone. [But] then of course, there are no non-transferable players at any team around the world.”
Chelsea splashed a whopping €300 million this summer on transfers, making them the highest spenders. The Blues however sacked their manager Thomas Tuchel just six days after the transfer window shut, quickly appointing Graham Potter as his successor. The new manager will certainly demand new signings, as Chelsea are tipped to come back for Leao next summer.