Manchester United Among Clubs Monitoring AC Milan Forward Rafael Leao Ahead of Summer Transfer Window

Apr 25, 2026, 09:10

Introduction

Manchester United are one of several European clubs considering signing AC Milan and Portugal forward Rafael Leao. Reports from multiple sources claim that the player may be available for transfer at the end of the current season, and initial talks have already started between the Premier League side and the player's representatives.

Main Body

Rafael Leao, who has earned 43 caps for Portugal, is reportedly thinking about ending his seven-year stay at AC Milan. The 26-year-old has been playing in a different position this season, as a centre-forward in a 3-5-2 formation instead of his usual left-wing role. This tactical change has led to a drop in his statistics compared to previous campaigns: Leao has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 25 Serie A matches this season, whereas last term he had eight goals and ten assists in 34 league games. Across all competitions, his output is ten goals and three assists in 27 appearances. Manchester United's interest has been confirmed by Italian outlet Tuttosport, which reported that club scouts will attend AC Milan's home match against Juventus on Sunday to watch Leao. The same source indicated that preliminary talks between United and the player's camp have begun, although negotiations are not at an advanced stage. Barcelona have also made initial contact with Leao's representatives, but similarly, no significant progress has been reported. Financial details for a potential transfer vary according to different reports. Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley described a possible fee of £40 million as an 'incredible potential bargain,' while La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested that €50 million (about £42 million) would be enough to secure the winger's signature. Both figures are reported by the respective media outlets and should be seen as estimates rather than confirmed prices. AC Milan are reportedly open to receiving offers for Leao at the end of the season, a position that matches Manchester United's expected squad changes, which may include the departures of forwards Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho.

Conclusion

The situation regarding Rafael Leao is still in its early stages. Both Manchester United and Barcelona have expressed interest, but no advanced negotiations are underway. AC Milan's willingness to consider offers, combined with the player's potential availability at a reported fee of around £40–42 million, suggests that this transfer story is likely to develop further as the summer window approaches.

Vocabulary Learning

bargain (n.)
something bought for less than its usual value / something that is good value for the price便宜貨；廉價品
Example:The club believes the player's transfer fee would be a bargain.
monitoring (v.)
watching closely / to watch and check something over a period of time監察；監控
Example:The club is monitoring the player's performance before making an offer.
preliminary (adj.)
initial or early / happening before something more important, often as a first step初步的；起始的
Example:The two sides held preliminary discussions about a possible transfer.
representatives (n.)
agents or people acting on behalf of someone / people who act or speak for another person or group代表
Example:The player's representatives are negotiating a new contract.
tactical (adj.)
relating to a specific plan or strategy / relating to actions carefully planned to achieve a particular aim戰術上的；策略上的
Example:The tactical adjustment to a new position affected his performance.

Sentence Learning

Rafael Leao, who has earned 43 caps for Portugal, is reportedly thinking about ending his seven-year stay at AC Milan.
Non-defining relative clause with 'who' adds extra information about Rafael Leao without changing the main meaning. It helps organize the idea by providing background.非限制性關係從句以'who'提供關於Rafael Leao的額外資訊，不改變主要意思。它有助於組織想法，提供背景資料。
This tactical change has led to a drop in his statistics compared to previous campaigns: Leao has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 25 Serie A matches this season, whereas last term he had eight goals and ten assists in 34 league games.
The linking word 'whereas' contrasts this season's stats with last season's, showing a clear comparison. It helps organize the idea by highlighting the difference.連接詞'whereas'將本季數據與上季對比，顯示清晰的比較。它有助於組織想法，突出差異。
Manchester United's interest has been confirmed by Italian outlet Tuttosport, which reported that club scouts will attend AC Milan's home match against Juventus on Sunday to watch Leao.
Passive voice 'has been confirmed' focuses on the interest being confirmed rather than who confirmed it. The relative clause 'which reported' adds detail about the source.被動語態'has been confirmed'強調興趣被確認，而非誰確認。關係從句'which reported'補充關於來源的細節。
Both figures are reported by the respective media outlets and should be seen as estimates rather than confirmed prices.
Passive voice 'are reported' and 'should be seen' make the statement objective and formal, typical in news reporting. It organizes the idea by presenting information neutrally.被動語態'are reported'和'should be seen'使陳述客觀正式，常見於新聞報道。它以中立方式呈現信息，組織想法。
The same source indicated that preliminary talks between United and the player's camp have begun, although negotiations are not at an advanced stage.
The linking word 'although' introduces a contrast between the talks having begun and them not being advanced. It helps organize the idea by showing a concession.連接詞'although'引入對比：談判已開始但未深入。它有助於組織想法，表示讓步。