Liverpool make move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao amid Premier League competition
Liverpool have made an approach to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and are aiming to secure a deal before the 2026 World Cup finals this summer, according to reports. The Daily Mail states that the Premier League champions have been making enquiries for the Portugal international, who is also attracting interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
With Mohamed Salah set to depart at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike facing a long-term injury, manager Arne Slot is seeking a top-class attacking addition. Leao, under contract at the San Siro until 2028, is valued at approximately £60 million by the Italian club. Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, are reportedly keen to finalise any agreement before the World Cup to avoid a potential price increase should the player excel on the global stage.
The 26-year-old, who joined Milan in 2019, was instrumental in their Serie A title win in 2022 and helped Portugal secure the Nations League in 2025. Primarily a left winger, Leao has been deployed more centrally this campaign, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 27 appearances across all competitions. His former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently praised him as "magic" in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Liverpool's interest forms part of a broader recruitment drive. TEAMtalk reports that the club have also opened official talks with the representatives of RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, with a potential fee of around £87 million discussed. The pursuit of a new goalkeeper is also said to be on the agenda for the Merseyside club.
The competition for Leao's signature is intense, with Manchester City and Manchester United also having made enquiries. Real Madrid's reported interest adds another layer of complexity to the potential transfer. For Milan, the sale of a key asset would represent a significant financial gain but a substantial sporting loss, while for Liverpool, securing a player of Leao's profile would be a major statement as they prepare for life after Salah and aim to build on their Premier League title success.
