English Premier League giants Manchester United have joined the race to sign Portuguese international Rafael Leao from defending Serie A champions AC Milan.
Leao joined the Sporting CP youth academy at a very young age. The Portuguese striker later graduated from Sporting’s academy and was promoted to the main team.
He played just one season for Sporting and then joined French side Lille during the 2018-19 season. At Lille, he mainly played as a striker and showed his versatility. Leao stayed one season in the French team.
Finally, in 2019, Serie A giants AC Milan signed him for a fee of €35m. He soon cemented his place in the starting lineup and later became one of the main players for the Rossoneri. Leao then helped Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years and was declared the season’s Most Valuable Player.
Manchester United interested in Rafael Leao
According to a recent report by the Daily Star, Manchester United have joined the race for Portuguese international Rafael Leao.
After the arrival of the Dutch coach, Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has shown great intentions in the transfer market. They signed players like Erikson, Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro MartÃnez. Their summer signings are already the quality they bring to the team and United look like a better team than last season.
However, there is still room for improvement in the Manchester United squad. United manager Erik ten Hag has so far kept Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting lineup for most of his games. The Portuguese is expected to leave safely at the end of next season.
Now apart from him there are not many players in the squad who can play in the forward position. Marcus Rashford, who primarily played No. 9 this season, now plays his preferred position: left winger.
Antony Martial has been great in the short time he has played this season. However, the Frenchman is struggling with injuries. therefore, United are looking for players who can play as number 9.
Leao, primarily a winger, has previously played as a striker and fits perfectly into the ten Hag system. Hence they are watching the Portuguese international.
However, the transfer will not be so easy. Chelsea tried to sign the striker last summer but was unable to change AC Milan’s mind. They remain interested in the striker. Bohely is expected to look to secure the player again next summer.
Meanwhile, Milan are looking to give him a contract renewal to keep him at the San Siro for many more years.
