Rafael Leao is preparing for a possible departure from AC Milan, with a new contender emerging for his signature. His farewell is unlikely to occur before the World Cup, but his time as a Milan player may be close to ending. Milan’s marketing choices no longer reliably indicate a player’s permanence. Leao’s decline is linked to physical problems after a strong first half of the season and to a tactical shift from the wing to a central forward role that did not work well. Milan also becomes more vulnerable when out of possession with Leao on the pitch. The club is allowing the transfer market to run, leaving the number 10 available if an offer arrives. Manchester United and Fenerbahçe are the main possibilities.
"Rafael Leao is preparing to say goodbye to AC Milan, with a new contender having emerged in the potential race to sign him. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao's farewell is unlikely to happen before the World Cup, but these could be his 'final days' as a Milan player. Don't be fooled by the launch of the new Rossoneri jersey for next season, where the forward is featured prominently."
"While until a few years ago, certain marketing decisions could be interpreted as interesting clues about a player's permanence, that's no longer the case. There's him, there's Luka Modric, there's Christian Pulisic and they could all potentially leave for various reasons. Leao's time up Leao in particular appears to be the one who, more than the others, has reached the end of his career with Milan."
"After an excellent first half of the season, obvious physical problems have set in, but that's not the only explanation for the Portuguese's decline. The situation is further complicated by a move from the wing to the centre-forward role, which never really panned out. The tactical aspect is two-fold: beyond this, it's not difficult to see how the team is more vulnerable to problems when out of possession when Rafa is on the pitch."
"These are all considerations that have led the club to the decision to let the transfer market take its course. As a result of this, the number 10 is free to move elsewhere, should a suitable offer arrive. Where from? Two possibilities stand out at the moment, although the World Cup could be a great boost (but also vice versa) and open up other possibilities. One door is Manchester United, a longtime admirer of Leao's who have resurfaced in recent days."
Read at SempreMilan
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