La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Rafael Leao and Milan ‘have never been this far’ as the Portuguese striker was dropped for the last two Serie A games while talks over a new contract are not progressing.
The Portugal international’s deal expires in June 2024 and negotiations over a new contract have been ongoing for several months. Both Milan and the player’s entourage confirmed last week that talks are progressing in a ‘professional way’ and that the player wants to stay at the club.
Whether he will sign a new contract or not it’s a different story and Pioli’s recent tactical decisions mean Leao and Milan ‘have never been this far’, writes the pink paper.
The 24-year-old was dropped for the last two Serie A games against Sassuolo and Inter and was only introduced in the second half. Leao is not at his best after the World Cup, but his attitude is also a matter of concern for the Rossoneri boss.
At the same time, negotiations between the club and the striker are not progressing. There is still no agreement on the striker’s future salary nor on his release clause which is currently set at €150m.
Leao reportedly expects Milan to pay part of the €19m fine he owes to his former club Sporting CP, while his two representatives, Ted Dimvula and Jorge Mendes seem to have different ideas over the striker’s future making negotiations with the defending Serie A champions even more complicated.
I don’t how financially broken club like AC would pay that fine for Leao. They already paid for him to Lille. So it’s up to Lille and Leao to pay for their stuff.