Rafael Leao has become too big for the level Milan currently plays, and the time is just about right for the Portuguese, who led them to their only Scudetto in the last 13 years, to move on.
As the summer of 2025 approaches, with a host of top European teams looking to bolster their attack, Rafael Leao might be the best available left winger, if a suitor could offer enough to convince both Milan and the player over a deal.
Over the last four seasons, Leao has consistently demonstrate his prowess on the flank, positioning himself amongst the premier stars in Europe while being the standout in the Serie A.
Rafael Leao: One of the Stars of Europe
Since leading Milan to the league title in 2022, he has featured in the Serie A team of the year in every season, while also achieving double figures for goals and assists for the club across all competitions in each of the last four season, the only player to do so for an Italian club in that time.
Crowned Serie A MVP as well as Footballer of the year in 2022, Leao has remained at the top of his game, even pulling great statistics in Europe, where Milan has lost its fierceness and has become just another club.
He is one of those few wingers that can do it all. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Rafael Leao has contributed to 55 Serie A goals, a tally only bettered by Lautaro Martinez with 68.
In the last three seasons, only Bukayo Saka, 57 has registered more non penalty goal involvement than the Portuguese’s 56 amongst wingers aged 25 and under in top five leagues.
Adding Europe to the picture, only Vinicius Junior with 84 has more has more than his 73, while only Vinicius Junior and Phil Foden have more than his 77 across all club competitions with 96 and 78 respectively.
Leao has assisted more Serie A goals than anyone since the start of the 2021-22 campaign with a total of 33, while he finished as joint-top assist provider in the division last season, alongside Paulo Dybala, and he currently lead the way this season with eight.
Leao has also created the most big chances in the league since the start of 2022-23 with 42. He has no match when it comes to dribbles in the division while he is also a force when it comes to duels.
In the ongoing UEFA Champions League season, he leads the way for most successful dribbles with 39 as at the conclusion of the first-leg of the quarter-finals, at least five more than any other player, despite Milan’s playoff elimination.
Leao also ranks first in duels amongst all wingers, with 62 won. His 72 touches in the opposition box ranks eight, which is quite impressive given those ahead of him have played more minutes in the competition.
Despite his individual brilliance, Milan’s recent performances has not mirrored their historical dominance. 32 games into the league campaign, the Rossonerri finds themselves ninth on the log, with 51 points.
It is a reality that hits hard for a club that was once the powerhouse of European football, yet it suggests that they are not capable of providing the competitive platform necessary for Leao to achieve his highest echelons.
For the man who turns 26 in the summer, the time is just about right for him to make the next move of his career, because the upcoming window presents him a lot of options, if he is to ever get a move to a more prominent club.
Which Clubs Should Move for Rafael Leao?
Rafael Leao signed a contract extension in 2023, renewing his agreement with Milan until 2028 – yet, with the club now having the likes of Christian Pulisic, whose primary position is also the left wing and has been top since moving to the club, they could easily let go of Leao.
The former Lille youngster has been a faithful servant for the Rossonerri since joining in the summer of 2019, turning down lucrative offers from European heavyweights in loyalty to Milan – the club would not want to deny him now.
Amongst all the left-wingers of the world, only Vinicius Junior has been better than the Portuguese in the last four years, and should he be available in the summer, every top team will be keen to add him to their wares.
Premier League quartet of Arsenal, Manchester City, United and Chelsea could all be keen to lure him to England, while Bayern Munich could also be a realistic destination, should they withdraw their renewal offer to Leroy Sané.
The likes of PSG and Real Madrid are all stacked in that position, while financial constraints will limit Barcelona’s appetite for additions, given the fee spent on Dani Olmo last summer. Plus the Blaugrana’s preference of Nico Williams means they have given up their pursuit of Leao a few years back.
Arsenal has also been keen on Nico but if available, Rafael Leao will definitely be the better option. A level raiser that goes straight into their starting XI ahead of either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.
At Manchester City, where the productivity of their wingers have been questionable since the departures of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, Leao provides immediate solution, solving Pep Guardiola‘s headache with Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish.
With Chelsea looking to return Jadon Sancho to Manchester United in the summer, a move for Rafael Leao will definitely be worth it. The Blues also have a good relationship with Milan, as the pair have done some businesses in the last few windows.
Manchester United is short of options in attack. Ruben Amorim will surely relish a union with his countryman, who would help resolve the issues on the flanks.
Rafael Leao will be spoilt of options should he become ready to make a move in the summer, and while the clubs will come in their numbers, it is also imperative for him to choose the best project for his own good, since a lot of top teams are getting axed from the league of the elites.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
