Milan plot means to stave off losing Leao on free transfer

Rafael Leao of AC Milan

Milan plot means to stave off losing Leao on free transfer

Faruq Ibrahim 22:58 - 31.03.2023

Milan are reportedly considering an alternate contract proposal for Rafael Leao.

AC Milan are reportedly considering a one-year contract extension for Rafael Leao to ward off prying eyes while they remain on the negotiation table for a longer deal. 

The 23-year-old's contract is set to expire next season, and although he is open to continuing at Milan, the details are complicated, prompting both parties to consider a one-year extension while they work out the kinks of a longer deal.

Milan and Leao consider new deal 

GetfootballNewsItaly reports that Milan and Rafael Leao representatives are weighing up the option of a one-year contract extension. 

Rafa Leao recently attended AC Milan's Foundation Gala
Rafa Leao recently attended AC Milan's Foundation Gala

Both parties are interested in intertwining their future for the long term; however, negotiations have stalled over Leao's debt to Sporting Lisbon. 

The Portuguese forward unilaterally terminated his contract and joined Lille in 2019 after a violent incident with fans who stormed the training pitch.

Lille went on to sell the Portugal international to Milan for €23 million. 

Sporting sued Leao and other players who made similar moves as he did, and they won the case. The courts ordered Leao to pay €16.5 million, and this is proving a problem in his contract negotiation with Milan, as his agents want the Rossoneri to bear some of the financial burden. 

Milan, who paid a transfer fee for the player, are unwilling to meet the demand; hence, they consider a one-year extension to avoid losing him in a free transfer. 

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