The 26-year-old Portuguese forward appears set to depart Italy after openly declaring his desire to end a seven-year tenure at San Siro and seek a fresh challenge in another league.
With Michael Carrick leading Manchester United back into the Champions League, reinforcing the left flank of their attack has become a key target for the current transfer window. The management at Old Trafford is keen to build on the positive momentum achieved through the successful acquisition of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Rafael Leao has always expressed his appreciation for English football, having previously mentioned that he followed Manchester United closely because his childhood hero was Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports suggest that AC Milan value the highly skilled attacker at approximately £50 million, a sum that fits comfortably within United’s updated transfer budget.
However, those anticipating a quick resolution to the situation may need to be patient. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, United are expected to make a definitive decision only once the global tournament concludes.
Leao’s attacking prowess is well-established—he has registered 80 goals and 55 assists during his stint in Italy—though some observers have criticised his tendency to be inconsistent in defensive contributions.
A strong performance on the world stage with Portugal could potentially raise his market value or draw interest from other major European clubs.
For Leao, the World Cup represents an ideal platform to boost his profile and attract maximum attention before the summer transfer window gathers pace. While the preliminary groundwork for a possible move to Old Trafford has been laid, the final call will only come after the tournament.
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