---
title: "It’s clear ‘magic’ winger will be Man Utd’s third summer signing as ‘contact made’"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/06/04/its-clear-magic-winger-will-be-man-utd-third-summer-signing-as-contact-made-transfer-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Simon Jessop"
section: "Man Utd Transfer News"
published: "2026-06-04T12:18:00Z"
modified: "2026-06-04T20:58:34Z"
---

# It’s clear ‘magic’ winger will be Man Utd’s third summer signing as ‘contact made’

- Man Utd eyeing Rafael Leao
- The club have ‘made contact’ with player’s camp
- AC Milan forward could replace Marcus Rashford

**[Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/manchester-united-club-history-trophies-moments/)‘s summer transfer window is looking to be an exciting one, and it looks like a third signing could already be on the horizon.**

A move for AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao is seemingly materialising, with reports indicating that official contact has finally been made, per[Pietro Balzano Prota](https://x.com/PBPcalcio/status/2062463023122427968).

Under the leadership of head coach Michael Carrick and the INEOS ownership group, the Red Devils have adopted a ruthless approach to getting their business done early. The club’s strategy has focused heavily on securing top-tier talent before the summer truly heats up, and the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place incredibly fast.

## Man Utd ‘make contact’ with Leao

United are already on the verge of completing their first summer signing. A €45m (£38.9m) [package deal](https://readmanutd.com/2026/06/04/man-utd-sign-70m-midfielder-after-ederson-if-reports-are-true-transfer-news/)has been struck with Atalanta for Ederson.

Next up could be West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, a long-term target whom BBC Sport’s Simon Stone expects will successfully wrap up a move to Manchester shortly.

> Primi contatti Manchester United con l'entourage di Rafa Leao.\
> \
> L'idea resta quella di aspettare comunque il mondiale e prendere ogni decisione dopo. [https://t.co/A0LvkgrSmr](https://t.co/A0LvkgrSmr)
>
> — Pietro Balzano Prota (@PBPcalcio) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/PBPcalcio/status/2062463023122427968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

After Ederson and Fernandes, INEOS are wasting no time pivoting to their next primary objective: a world-class marquee attacker. That is where Leao, [dubbed](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/rafael-leao-magic-zlatan-ibrahimovic-defends-ac-milan-portugal-winger-single-handedly-won-serie-a-title-rossoneri/bltf2c542326ea5b1f9)‘magic’, enters the frame.

Rumours have grown over the months regarding United’s admiration for the explosive Portuguese winger, but the latest updates confirm that admiration has transitioned into concrete action.

Internal discussions have escalated into formal enquiries, making it increasingly clear that Leao is a legitimate target. [Reports](https://readmanutd.com/2026/05/06/man-utd-want-to-sign-leao-as-rashford-replacement-transfer-news/)have previously suggested the club view him as a Marcus Rashford replacement.

## Leao would light up Old Trafford

Adding a player of Leao’s devastating pace, flair, and proven goal-scoring pedigree would represent a massive statement of intent for Carrick’s side. If the club manages to navigate the predictably complex negotiations with Milan, he could be the biggest name to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

United fans have long clamoured for a swift, decisive summer window, and by securing Leao as their third signing alongside a totally rebuilt midfield, INEOS are proving they mean business.

It’s still early days, and contact with the player’s camp doesn’t mean the Red Devils will make an official move.