The countdown is on to decide whether Rafael Leao signs a new contract with Milan or is to be sold this summer for a minimum of €100m, with reports they have already identified his replacement.
The Portugal international’s current deal only runs to June 2024, so a sale would be necessary at the end of the season to avoid losing him as a free agent.
That is something Milan already experienced with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Hakan Calhanoglu and Franck Kessie, so they have no intention of losing another big player with zero remuneration.
RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale is flying in to Italy for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham Hotspur, but also to discuss the situation around Leao’s contract.
This is the final chance for Leao to accept the terms of the agreement or acknowledge his exit from San Siro.
Stefano Pioli seemed to send some hints that the Rossoneri are preparing for life after Leao by dropping him for two consecutive matches, including the Derby della Madonnina against rivals Inter.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the main candidate to replace Leao is a familiar face who was already discussed several months ago, namely Club Brugge winger Noa Lang.
The 23-year-old Dutchman is known for his dribbling skills, but considering how badly Charles De Ketelaere has adapted to life in Serie A so far, Milan might be a little hesitant to go back to the Belgian league.
Hopefully true. Sell him to England and lets get on with players who actually want to be there. He hasn’t broken a sweat since the Roma game.