AC Milan are waiting for formal offers for Rafael Leão and would consider bids of approximately €50 million to fund their summer recruitment, despite the Portugal winger’s €175 million release clause. The Serie A side need to offload the 27-year-old to finance a move for Genk attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, with Aston Villa emerging as potential suitors following significant outgoing transfers.
Leão confirmed his desire to leave San Siro at the end of May. Since then, Milan have appointed Ruben Amorim as head coach, and the Portuguese tactician prefers a classic number ten rather than a traditional winger. This tactical shift means the club will sanction Leão’s departure if they receive an acceptable proposal, even one far below the contractual buy-out figure.
Villa’s financial position
Aston Villa possess the resources to mount a serious bid after selling Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, though doubts persist over whether manager Unai Emery actively seeks the player or if Leão would agree to join the Midlands club. The Birmingham-based side already maintain active dialogue with Milan regarding left-back Pervis Estupinan, potentially smoothing the path for broader negotiations. Any move would depend on Emery’s tactical assessment and whether Leão views Villa as a suitable destination given his ambition to compete in Europe’s elite divisions.
Alternative interest
Both Barcelona and Manchester United have explored the situation but have yet to submit formal proposals. The forward has rejected the possibility of moves to Turkey or the Saudi Pro League, instead prioritising the English Premier League or another top-five European division. This stance effectively limits his options to clubs with substantial spending power in England, Spain, Germany, France or Italy.
Milan’s urgency reflects their need to balance the books after investing nearly €100 million in strikers Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila. Securing Karetsas depends on generating funds through Leão’s sale, placing pressure on the club to conclude a deal before the transfer window closes. The Rossoneri view Karetsas as the ideal candidate to fill Amorim’s desired attacking midfield role, but their spending on Ramos and Gila has depleted the transfer budget. Leão’s sale would provide the necessary liquidity to complete the Greek teenager’s signing while allowing Amorim to reshape his squad according to his tactical vision.