Rafael Leao Eyes Premier League Move After Milan Exit

Rafael Leao stated that a move away from AC Milan is now a serious option, with the Premier League described as the preferred next step if a transfer happens in the summer window. Leao said the time feels right for a fresh challenge after a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

The Portugal international has spent seven seasons with AC Milan since joining from Lille in 2019, winning two trophies including the 2021-22 Scudetto. However, AC Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, and the departure of Massimiliano Allegri, have strengthened Leao’s belief that a change is needed.

Leao outlined the thinking behind a possible move while on international duty, explaining the appeal of English football. "I need a new challenge,Leaotold Sport TV in Portugal ahead of the World Cup campaign, as quoted by Football Italia. I have already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while. The league is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League would make more of my talent as a player. 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 league really gets the best out of a player."

Reports in England link Manchester United and Arsenal with Rafael Leao, although the forward remains under contract at AC Milan until 2028. Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have also been credited with interest, but Leao is reported to have ruled out a move to either Super Lig side.

Across all competitions for AC Milan, Rafael Leao has produced 135 goal involvements, combining goals and assists. That total is one of the highest among players representing Serie A clubs during this period, underlining why Premier League scouts continue to track the Portugal international’s situation closely.

Leao’s individual 2025-26 season at AC Milan was less productive by comparison, with only 13 goal involvements, made up of 10 goals and three assists. The 26-year-old believes tactical changes and physical issues limited performance levels, especially when used away from the favoured wide attacking positions.

Rafael Leao, AC Milan role and Premier League readiness

Under Massimiliano Allegri last season, Rafael Leao featured more often as a central forward rather than in wide roles. Leao felt that change reduced effectiveness and contributed to struggles in front of goal, adding to frustration as AC Milan’s league form dipped across the campaign.

Leao described the recent spell at AC Milan as one of the toughest in the career so far. "It was a difficult season. We didn't get into the Champions League. I played while injured for four to fivemonths with a groin inflammation, in a position that was not suited to me. The tactical system did not help.I felt that I could make the difference, but the way the team played didn't put me in a condition to do that. At the end of the day, it wore me down."

AC Milan finished the league programme on 70 points, ending outside Serie A’s top four for the first time in the three-points-for-a-win era. With Allegri dismissed and Leao keen to return to a wide attacking role, interest from Premier League clubs is likely to stay strong during the summer market.