- Man Utd want to sign Rafael Leao
- AC Milan forward talks up Premier League switch
- Portuguese could replace Marcus Rashford
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of a long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford after a Serie A star welcomed a move to the Premier League.
United are set for a busy summer transfer window as they prepare for their return to Champions League football. Meaning depth is crucial to this summer transfer window if Michael Carrick’s side has any chance of going far in Europe.
As Rashford’s saga with Barcelona continues, Man Utd look to finally replace the Englishman and have been linked with Rafael Leao after recent comments made by the winger. For several seasons, Man Utd and Leão have flirted with the idea of a move to Old Trafford; however, rumours have intensified in recent weeks after the Portuguese winger said he wanted to join the Premier League.
Leao drops major hint over Premier League switch
Leão’s future has been up in the air for some time, with the forward experiencing ups and downs at Milan. However, the forward recently made it clear that he would be open to a move to the Premier League (via Fabrizio Romano):
“I want a new challenge out of Serie A. I follow the Premier League with great attention. If I have the opportunity to play there or La Liga I would be really happy because my talent would be exulted there.”
He added, “If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy. I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level. Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player.”
According to reports, AC Milan has lowered their asking price for Leão, with the Italian Giants willing to accept £43 million for the winger this summer.
With Milan missing out on Champions League football and having just two years remaining on his contract, Leão believes he wants a new challenge.
And that challenge could well and certainly be Manchester United after the Red Devils secured Champions League football thanks to Carrick’s arrival in the second half of the season.
Carrick will be requesting reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season, especially with the club returning to European football. One area of focus will be adding more offensive firepower, despite the recent signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Carrick is looking for strong depth in the squad, and Leão could be the ideal addition.
Why Leao is perfect Rashford replacement
After seven years at the San Siro, Leao has established himself as one of the best wide players in Europe. A total of 80 goals and 65 assists have been contributed from 291 appearances in all competitions in his time at Milan.
Leão was never unsuccessful in Milan, as the Portuguese won the Serie A title in 2022 and won the league’s most valuable player award during that period.
This season, Leão has scored 10 goals and gotten three assists across 31 appearances as AC Milan finished narrowly outside the Champions League qualification spots.
Leão has strengths that would fit perfectly into Carrick’s system as the winger possesses explosive pace, elite dribbling and the ability to glide past multiple defenders in one-on-one situations with ease. The Portuguese is highly creative and is capable of finding key passes into the final third.
However, the investment in firepower this summer transfer window could come down to the decisions of Barcelona and Rashford. If the departure of Rashford happens, a free slot and £350,000 worth of weekly wages will be freed up for the signing of Leão.
