Portugal international Rafael Leão has severed ties with his agent and engaged legal representation as he seeks a summer departure from AC Milan, with transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri reporting that initial interest from the Saudi Pro League has already surfaced.
The 25-year-old has also enlisted a local agency specifically to handle potential negotiations for a move to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in his approach to securing a transfer. This development comes after Tottenham Hotspur reportedly rejected an approach from the winger’s intermediaries, with the North London club showing little enthusiasm for a deal despite Leão’s public desire for a “new adventure”.
Leão recently suggested the Premier League or LaLiga would better suit his playing style, yet attracting a buyer willing to meet Milan’s financial demands has proven difficult. No formal offers have arrived from clubs in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Milan eager to sell
The Rossoneri are seeking at least €60 million for the winger, well below his €175 million release clause, as they look to remove his significant salary from their wage bill. With Leão’s contract running until June 2028, the club have no intention of offering an extension, effectively forcing a sale this summer.
New manager Ruben Amorim has further fuelled speculation about Leão’s imminent departure by indicating that Christian Pulisic’s “ideal” position is on the left side of attack. This is the role currently occupied by Leão, which would force the United States international to operate on the right flank should both players remain at San Siro.
Limited European options
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, only Portuguese side Benfica and Turkish club Galatasaray have shown genuine interest in securing the winger’s signature. With Tottenham declining to enter negotiations and alternative European destinations scarce, the emerging interest from the Saudi Pro League may offer the most realistic pathway for Leão to secure the move he desires before the transfer window closes.