Rafael Leao has established himself as one of the best players in Europe and the AC Milan star could complete a major transfer next summer. The Portuguese international has recently returned to the AC Milan starting eleven after spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Leao marked his return with a brace against Fiorentina. […]
Rafael Leao has established himself as one of the best players in Europe and the AC Milan star could complete a major transfer next summer.
The Portuguese international has recently returned to the AC Milan starting eleven after spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Leao marked his return with a brace against Fiorentina.
At 26-years of age Leao is beginning to enter the prime stages of his career and may be looking to begin a new chapter in 2026, especially if Milan fail to qualify for the Champions League once again.
Leao has been linked with a move away from the San Siro for multiple years now, but where could the Rossoneri star end up if he decides to part ways with Milan?
Could Manchester City Sign Rafael Leao In Summer Transfer Window?
Manchester City have been one of the most dominant forces in Europe for several years now, becoming the first team in history to win four consecutive Premier League titles in 2024.
However, Pep Guardiola’s time at the top of English football came to an end during the 2024/25 campaign, as Liverpool secured their second Premier League title.
The Cityzens are looking to reclaim their throne this season and currently sit second in the table, with many believing that Arsenal will finally end their wait for a fourth Premier League winners medal.
If City fail to clinch the league title this season, then Pep Guardiola is expected to make some huge changes next summer and Rafael Leao could be top of this list.
The AC Milan star has contributed to 135 goals in 264 appearances for the Rossoneri (73G +62A) and could be the perfect addition to an already frightening Manchester City front-line.
Are Real Madrid Interested In Rafael Leao?
A player that possesses the star power of Rafael Leao tends to end up in one place – Real Madrid. Los Blancos are notorious for signing the biggest names across the globe and the Portuguese star fills this Galactico criteria.
Xabi Alonso is currently taking charge of his first season in the Spanish capital and the former Bayer Leverkusen manager has made a superb start in La Liga – sitting top of the table after nine matches.
One of the biggest talking points of the season has been the situation surrounding Vinicius Jr., as the Brazilian international has fallen out-of-favor under the new Real Madrid boss.
Another Brazilian player in Madrid has been linked with a move elsewhere in January 2026, with Endrick attracting interest from Juventus after failing to appear in La Liga this season.
With these changes looking extremely likely, Madrid could be on the hunt for a new star attacker and Los Blancos have been linked with Leao in previous transfer windows.
Would Rafael Leao Stay Join Inter Milan?
Several players have committed the ultimate sin in Milan by playing for both the red and blue sides, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldo, Clarence Seedorf and Andre Pirlo all making the treacherous move.
However, there have been less examples of this in the modern era and Hakan Calhanoglu is one of few players to move directly from AC Milan to Inter.
Rafael Leao has become a cult hero for the Rossoneri and moving over to the blue side of the city could severe a strong relationship – but is not outside the realms of possibility.
Inter have been far more successful than their local rivals in recent years, winning two Serie A titles since 2021 and reaching two of the last three Champions League finals.
Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are currently the best-performing Serie A side in Europe and competing in Europe’s elite competition could be a major factor in Leao’s future.
Should Bayern Munich Sign Rafael Leao?
Bayern Munich reclaimed their place at the top of the Bundesliga last season after failing to win the league title for the first time since 2012 during the 2023/24 season.
Vincent Kompany has found huge success in Germany and appears to have taken Harry Kane to another level, as the Englishman has accumulated 23 goals contributions in 10 matches across all competitions (20G + 3A).
Playing with a striker of Kane’s ability could unlock a new level in Rafael Leao’s game, as the Rossoneri are currently lacking a world class centre-forward.
Luis Diaz and Michael Olise appear to have secured their place on the Bayern Munich flanks, however, the German side are huge admirers of Leao – which was shown after the Bavarians made a reported bid for the AC Milan star in the 2025 summer window.
Can PSG Sign Rafael Leao?
Rafael Leao came close to leaving the Rossoneri during the recent transfer window after Milan finished eighth in Serie A and the 26-year-old turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.
This decision was made as Leao wants to continue playing in Europe and what would be a better move than signing for the current European champions in Paris Saint-Germain.
Leao has history in Ligue 1 after making 26 appearances for Lille before signing for Milan and has even scored a winner against PSG in the 2023/24 Champions League group stages.
The French side are one of the wealthiest in soccer, which could come in handy when entering talks for the AC Milan star – as Leao still has three years remaining on his current deal.
