Aheed Abrar
Portugal and AC Milan forward Rafael Leao to clarify contract situation after World Cup amidst Manchester United interest
AC Milan star Rafael Leao will clarify his contract situation after the World Cup with Portugal amidst interest from Manchester United. The 23-year-old’s existing deal expires in the summer of 2024.
Premier League rivals Chelsea are also eyeing the forward’s signature. The Red Devils and Graham Potter’s team are looking to bring the winger to the English top flight in the January transfer window.
However, in an apparent blow to the two PL clubs, Leao reveals he has had “positive meetings” with the chiefs of the Serie A giants. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.
Speaking via transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter (h/t Metro), the 23-year-old disclosed that he would try to hash out a deal with the Rossoneri after the tournament in Qatar.
“I will speak to AC Milan [again] about my contract situation once the World Cup is over.
“We had a positive meeting with [technical director] Paolo Maldini before the World Cup, it was a good one – we’ll enter into details after the break.”
The Portuguese star has been brilliant for Milan since last season. In the previous campaign, he helped the Italian giants to their first Scudetto after an 11-year drought. The winger was one of Stefano Pioli’s team’s leading goalscorers.
Leao has continued his fine form this term. In 20 appearances for the Rossoneri in all competitions, the 23-year-old has scored seven goals and provided nine assists.
Currently, the forward is with the Portugal national team in Qatar. He scored for Fernando Santos’ team in the win against Ghana in the first group-stage fixture. Os Navegadores beat Uruguay 2-0 as well to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
United’s attacking options have lessened with the abrupt departure of Cristiano Ronaldo midway through the season. The Red Devils evidently need a new forward in the coming transfer windows.
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However, Leao is not an out-and-out striker. The Old Trafford side’s priority at the moment should be a strike considering Anthony Martial is the only natural option. Thus, it would be wise for the club to pursue other targets in January.
