Rafael Leao’s worst game yet in an AC Milan shirt has already had consequences.
The Portuguese winger was formerly one of the Serie A giant’s untouchables, but now he could be heading out.
Leao was a disaster against Udinese as Milan fell to a 3-0 defeat at San Siro.
It was their third defeat in four games, and at one moment it looked like the winger was ready to leave early.
Leao’s substitution embarrassment
Having picked up a needless first-half yellow card, Leao thought his time was up just after the hour when his No.10 was shown on the substitute board.
The 26-year-old walked off the pitch at the far side to make his exit, and took off his wrist straps as shin pads.
Yet as he began walking the touchline, he realised it was the other No.10 coming off.
Udinese’s Nicolo Zaniolo was the man being taken off, and for Milan fans it was a moment of huge embarassment.
As such, when his number was finally called in the 72nd minute, boos were let out for the formerly untouchable player with the score 3-0.
Leao now on the transfer list
Leading Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport now claim that ‘it’s never been easier for a foreign club to sign Leao’.
There is a rather large stumbling block, though, a release clause of €175million in his contract that was renewed in June 2023.
Yet it does expire on July 15th, even if Milan were never going to be demanding such a figure given Leao’s current form.
Both Manchester United and Chelsea are cited as potential destinations for Leao, and clubs are now aware if they want to sign the player they’re free to call Milan and set up a meeting.
Given such a change in approach, Milan’s previous ask of €80m is no longer realistic, particularly with his contract expiring in 2028.
Premier League clubs may still try their hand, but understandably Saudi Arabia would likely be a more welcoming partner for Milan given the money they feel they’ve lost out on with Leao’s failure to live up to his potential.
What has Allegri said about Leao?
Asked about Leao’s disaster performance, head coach Max Allegri commented: “In the first half, he had two big chances as a center forward.
“When the spaces are tight, it becomes difficult to beat a player. But it’s not just a Rafa issue; we need to do different things in attack.”
Allegri also commented on the boos Leao and the team experienced, adding: “It’s part of the game: when you win you’re good, when you lose you’re not.
“Tonight the boos were fair, even though the team gave it their all.
“Now we have to focus on the match in Verona, and this defeat must represent an opportunity to do better in the next one. We surrendered to the opponent in our haste to get a result.”
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