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 academy of Sporting CP at a very early age. The Portuguese forward then graduated from the Sporting academy and was promoted to the main team.
He played only one season for Sporting and then joined French side Lille during the 2018-19 season. In Lille, he mostly played as a striker and showed his versatility. Leao stayed one season with the French team.
Finally, in 2019, Serie-A giants AC Milan signed him for a fee of €35 million. He soon cemented his spot in the starting line-up and then became one of the main players for the Rossoneri. Leao then helped Milan to win their first Serie-A title in 11 years and was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player of the season.
Manchester United interested in Rafael Leao
According to a recent report from Daily Star, Manchester United have joined the race in for Portuguese International Rafael Leao.
After the arrival of Dutch manager, Erik ten Hag Manchester United have shown great intent in the transfer market. They signed players like Erikson, Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez. Their summer signings are already the quality they bring into the team and United are looking like a better squad than last season.
However, there are 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 matches. It is expected that the Portuguese will surely leave at the end of the next season.
Now, apart from him there are not many players in the squad who can play in the striker position. Marcus Rashford who mainly played as no.9 in this season, is now playing in his most preferable position – left wing.
Antony Martial has been great in the limited time he has played this season. However, the Frenchman is struggling with injuries. hence United are looking for players who can play as a no.9.
Leao, mainly a winger, has previously played as a striker and is a great fit for ten Hag’s system. Hence they are monitoring the Portuguese international.
The transfer however will not be so easy. Chelsea have tried to sign the forward the last summer but were not able to change AC Milan’s mind. They are still interested in the forward. It is expected that Bohely will again look to secure the player the next summer.
Meanwhile, Milan are looking to give him a contract renewal to keep him at San Siro for many more years.
