The future of Rafael Leao at AC Milan has taken another twist, with reports suggesting the Portuguese forward is willing to consider a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League this summer should a desired move to another top European club fail to materialize. The 27-year-old, who has been a talismanic figure for the Rossoneri since arriving from Lille in 2019, is once again at the centre of intense transfer speculation amid a period of upheaval at San Siro.
Milan in Transition, Leao's Future Uncertain
Milan are undergoing a significant transformation following the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach, as they look to rebuild after a disappointing campaign. The club's failure to secure Champions League football has heightened the possibility of key departures, and Leao—despite signing a long-term contract extension in 2023—is no longer considered untouchable. The arrival of Amorim has sparked a squad overhaul, but the club's financial constraints mean they could be forced to listen to offers for their most valuable assets.
Leao's inconsistent form over the past 12 months has not gone unnoticed, and while his raw talent remains undeniable—18 goal contributions in all competitions last season—his defensive work rate and occasional lapses in concentration have drawn criticism. Still, he remains one of Serie A's most electrifying wingers when on song, capable of turning a game on its head with his pace and trickery.
European Suitors Hesitant to Meet Valuation
Several of Europe's elite have been linked with Leao in recent windows, including Paris Saint-Germain and a host of Premier League clubs, but none have been willing to meet Milan's lofty valuation—believed to be in the region of €100 million. The player's entourage has been exploring options, but concrete proposals have been slow to arrive. With the transfer window progressing and interest cooling from traditional powerhouses, the prospect of a mid-summer move to a Champions League club appears increasingly remote.
This stalemate has opened the door to an alternative that would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago: a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Sources close to the situation indicate that Leao, who has previously been reluctant to leave Europe at this stage of his career, is now receptive to the idea if no satisfactory European offer materialises. The financial package on offer from Saudi clubs would dwarf anything Milan could provide, and at 27, a two- or three-year stint in the Middle East could be timed to allow a return to top-level European football before his peak years fade.
Rising Saudi Interest and Financial Muscle
The Saudi Pro League's aggressive recruitment drive has cooled slightly since the initial wave of blockbuster signings, but clubs continue to target younger, high-profile stars to raise the league's competitive level. Leao fits the profile of a marketable, game-changing attacker who could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Neymar and Riyad Mahrez. While no specific Saudi club has yet tabled an official bid, intermediaries have made it clear that a deal would be doable, with a salary package potentially exceeding €40 million per season.
From Milan's perspective, selling Leao to a non-European rival could be palatable if it generates a significant transfer fee to reinvest in the squad. With the club also monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun as a potential attacking reinforcement—another signal of their willingness to revamp the forward line—the funds from a Leao sale could accelerate their rebuild under Amorim. However, the loss of a player of Leao's charisma and match-winning ability would be a huge blow to fans, especially on the back of Santiago Gimenez's recent injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Milan's Attacking Plans in Flux
The Rossoneri are already dealing with a headache up front after Santiago Gimenez limped off during Mexico's World Cup clash with England. The Mexican striker joined Milan in January and was expected to lead the line next season, but his injury could force the club to dip into the market regardless of Leao's situation. Reports from Germany suggest Milan are closely monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt's Can Uzun, a versatile forward who could slot in across the front line. Any move for Uzun—and other targets—would likely be financed in part by Leao's departure, making the Portuguese's future even more pivotal.
Key Takeaways
- Rafael Leao is open to a move to the Saudi Pro League if a switch to a top European club does not materialise this summer.
- AC Milan are in the midst of a rebuild under new coach Ruben Amorim and could sell key assets to fund squad strengthening.
- No European club has yet met Milan's €100m+ valuation of the Portuguese star, with interest from PSG and Premier League clubs failing to turn into concrete offers.
- Leao's potential Saudi switch would likely see him earn a tax-free salary north of €40m per season, with Milan receiving a substantial transfer fee.
- The situation is fluid, and much could depend on whether a late move from a Champions League contender emerges before the window closes.
Quick Facts
Player: Rafael Leão
Current Club: AC Milan
Contract Expiry: June 2028
Release Clause: €175 million
Milan's Asking Price: Reportedly €100 million+
2025/26 Serie A Stats: 18 goal contributions in 34 appearances
Reported Saudi Salary Offer: Around €40 million per year
Source: Football Italia