Manchester United scout Rafael Leao ahead of potential summer move
Manchester United are monitoring AC Milan forward Rafael Leao ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to reports from Italy. Scouts from the Premier League club are scheduled to attend Milan's upcoming match at San Siro to assess the Portuguese international firsthand. The Red Devils are in the market for a right-footed attacking player who excels in one-on-one situations and can operate on the left flank, a profile that matches Leao precisely.
The 24-year-old is under contract with the Serie A side until 2028 and earns a reported €7 million per season, a salary well within United's financial structure. While his release clause stands at a prohibitive €150 million, it is understood that Milan could be open to negotiations for a fee in the region of €50-60 million. This potential move is part of a broader strategic shift at Old Trafford, where the club is seeking to refresh its attacking options.
Leao's recent career context adds weight to the speculation. Since joining Milan from Lille in 2019 for a fee of around €35 million, he has developed into a key figure for the Rossoneri, contributing significantly to their 2022 Serie A title win. However, his form has been more inconsistent in the subsequent seasons, and a sense has emerged from within the club's headquarters, via Aldo Rossi, that the player is not considered untouchable. This openness from Milan, coupled with United's long-standing admiration, has paved the way for these preliminary approaches and soundings with the player's entourage.
Further complicating the picture is Barcelona's interest, with the Catalan club having made exploratory calls regarding Leao's availability. However, Barcelona's primary target remains United's own Marcus Rashford, whom they hope to sign for a discounted fee. United's potential sale of Rashford, valued around €30 million, could directly finance a move for Leao, creating a domino effect in the summer market. For Leao, a move to either Barcelona or Manchester United is understood to be among the few destinations he would seriously consider, should he feel his central role at Milan diminishing.
Notably, the Portuguese star has repeatedly rejected lucrative advances from the Saudi Pro League, with clubs like Al Hilal and Al Nassr reportedly offering net salaries upwards of €20 million per season. His clear preference for a top European league, specifically the Premier League, makes Manchester United a viable and dangerous temptation. For Milan, a substantial cash injection from a sale could be reinvested in their squad, while for United, securing a player of Leao's profile would address a key positional need. The scouting mission this week represents a significant step in what could become one of the summer's major transfer sagas.
