Aheed Abrar
Manchester United ‘plotting’ move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao
Manchester United are ‘plotting’ a move to bring AC Milan star and Portugal international Rafael Leao to the club, according to PianetaMilan (h/t Manchester Evening News).
Apart from the Red Devils, Premier League rivals Manchester City are also eyeing the 23-year-old. European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the forward’s services.
Leao’s current contract with the Rosoneri is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Milan are looking to extend the Portugal international’s stay at the San Siro side. However, while the Serie A giants are keen, they would have to spend around €40 million on new wages.
The 23-year-old has been at Milan since joining in the summer of 2019 from French outfit LOSC Lille. After taking a few seasons to settle in, the forward shone in the previous campaign as the Italian side won the Scudetto.
This term, Leao has continued to perform well. He has made 33 appearances in all competitions for the Rosoneri, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists.
The 23-year-old also shone in the 2022 World Cup for Portugal. He scored against Ghana and Switzerland in Qatar. But Fernando Santos was unable to lead his team past the quarter-finals.
United have the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho for the wise positions. What we seem to lack is depth in the striker department, with Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst the only natural number nines at Erik ten Hag’s disposal.
Rashford has played well on the left wing. The 25-year-old is our leading goalscorer in the 2022/23 season. Garnacho has come in clutch as well when played on the left-hand side of the attack.
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While Leao is a quality talent, we evidently need a prolific number nine rather than a winger. Therefore, it would be wise for now to focus on other players.
