Rafa Leao's future in Milan remains uncertain. Following the negative report given by coach Ruben Amorim for the Portuguese star, the Italian giant decided to lower the player's transfer expectation. It was stated that Milan, which previously wanted 50-60 million euros for Leao, is now ready to drop to 40-45 million euros.
According to reports in the Italian press, Leao is not among the four players Amorim wants to be sent. However, it was claimed that the Portuguese coach told Milan President Gerry Cardinale that it would be better to part ways with the star football player.
It was stated that there was no personal problem between Amorim and Leao, and that the coach even warmly welcomed the Portuguese football player to the Australian camp. Leao joined the team after the World Cup, along with new transfer Gonçalo Ramos.
Amorim assigned number 10 behind the striker in the friendly matches against Inter and Chelsea, and occasionally moved him to the left wing. However, it was reported that the coach's opinion about Leao changed as the training progressed.
It was stated that the reason for this was not only on-field preferences. While players who can act effectively in narrow spaces and "half spaces" play an important role in Amorim's system, Leao's preference to play closer to the line raises a question mark.
However, it was claimed that the real problem was the dressing room and the atmosphere within the team. Leao's previous statements that his future in Milan was coming to an end and his appearance on the transfer list caused the Portuguese star to be considered a negative factor within the team.
It was learned that Amorim's opinions about Leao were also conveyed to the player's representatives. Milan management is expected to hold a meeting between Gerry Cardinale and Rafa Leao next week.
In this meeting, Cardinale is expected to convey that the club agrees with the technical staff and that he wants Leao to part ways with mutual understanding if the right offer comes.
Milan's reduction of the transfer expectation to 40-45 million euros caused Galatasaray to get hopeful again in the transfer.
It was previously stated that the yellow-reds made an offer of 35 million euros, including bonuses, to Milan through an intermediary. After the Italian team lowered the price, it became a matter of curiosity whether Galatasaray would increase its offer.
It was reported that Galatasaray offered Leao a contract in which he could earn approximately 12 million euros net annually, including bonuses.
However, it is stated that the Portuguese star is not currently favoring Galatasaray compared to previous weeks. It was noted that Leao's priority is the English Premier League and that he is especially waiting for offers from Europe's top clubs.
It has been stated that Leao has not completely ruled out the possibility of staying in Milan, as the offers he expected from the Premier League have not come so far.
However, with less than two weeks left until the end of the transfer window, the Milan management wants to both clarify the player's future and reinforce the squad with the proceeds from possible sales.
At this stage, Rafa Leao's future is being shaped between Milan and Galatasaray. Unless a surprise offer comes from the Premier League, the fate of the transfer will be determined by the meeting between Leao and Cardinale and the step Galatasaray will take regarding the transfer fee.
