Rafael Leao: Manchester United want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammate for €100 million. AC Milan may demand much more

Manchester United have suddenly developed an interest in Cristiano Ronaldo's international teammate Rafael Leao, reports indicate. Due to his contract details, the AC Milan winger, who can also operate as a striker when called upon, is rated among the costliest potential buys for any team in this decade. Manchester United reportedly have no illusions about the situation and are known to approach only if they can find the financial firepower to come up with €100 million.

After so much speculation about leaving San Siro, the 26-year-old Leao signed a long-term new deal in 2023. While reportedly earning €5 million net per season, the deal also includes a release clause set at €175 million. However, the clause is not always active and can only be triggered between July 5 and July 15 each year until the contract runs out in 2028. If not triggered during these ten days, the bidders would have to negotiate a standard transfer with AC Milan.

Rafael Leao to Manchester United?

Manchester United hope to make a move sans triggering the special clause and hope to get him for a sum of around €100 million. The club loves his speed, dribbling, and goalscoring skills and has already informed the Almada-born star's camp of their interest, Fichajes said in a report. He has managed a stellar 74 goals and 62 assists for the Italian side in 265 games since his arrival from Lille in 2019. However, Milan are unlikely to settle for €100 million and United will have to make more sales before making the move. Leao is an asset that any club would like to have in their attacking ranks and may face competition from archrivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who are much better off financially.

Given that the competitive level of the Premier League is on a different level than that of Serie A, the risk involved in the deal cannot be ruled out despite Leao's purple patch over the seasons. Manchester United are planning to bring him on board as a part of their rebuilding plan. Given their recent struggles, it needs to be seen if he will choose them over the more established teams like City and Liverpool.