Milan Pushes to Sell Rafa Leão as Coach Amorim Signals Preference for Exit

AC Milan have lowered their asking price for Portuguese forward Rafa Leão and are seeking a transfer before the summer window closes. Head coach Ruben Amorim has indicated that, were it solely his decision, the player would be sold. Club owner Gerry Cardinale is meeting with Amorim, the squad and Leão to finalize the player’s future.

Milan put Leao up for sale: Amorim rejects him, now €40m will be enough Cardinale at Milanello: Meetings with Amorim and Leao on the agenda Cardinale puts Milan to the test: Individual talks at Milanello, with Leao a key focus

Amorim told transfer strategist Hendrik Almstadt that Leão does not fit the tactical system he is implementing, citing the forward’s tendency to drift wide and limited ability in tight spaces. He also described Leão as a source of negativity after the player placed himself on the market.

Milan put Leao up for sale: Amorim rejects him, now €40m will be enough

Milan reduced Leão’s price to €40-45 million. Turkish side Galatasaray has met the player’s personal demands, offering a €12 million net per year contract and previously submitted a €35 million bid with bonuses. While below Milan’s revised asking price, the club hopes the lower figure will prompt a decisive offer before the window shuts.

Milan put Leao up for sale: Amorim rejects him, now €40m will be enough

Cardinale arrived at the Carnago Training Centre to discuss the situation with Amorim, the management team and key players, including Leão and captain Mike Maignan. After spending roughly €150 million on incoming transfers this season, the ownership remains cautious about further spending and is evaluating potential targets, notably a centre-back and an attacking midfielder.

Cardinale at Milanello: Meetings with Amorim and Leao on the agenda

Milan’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Alphadjo Cissé, signed permanently in January, has emerged as a possible alternative to Leão. Cissé recovered from a serious adductor-tendon rupture suffered in February 2026 and has impressed in training and matches, including a goal against United. Amorim has said Cissé’s development will make life difficult for Leão and that the youngster could start ahead of Saelemaekers in upcoming Serie A fixtures against Torino and Venezia.

From Catanzaro to Milan Starter: How Cissè Won Over Amorim and Challenged Leao

The next two league matches—against Torino and Venezia—will be pivotal for Milan’s attacking midfield. If a suitable offer for Leão materialises, the club aims for an amicable departure. If not, Amorim will need to integrate Leão or continue to prioritize Cissé and other emerging talents.

From Catanzaro to Milan Starter: How Cissè Won Over Amorim and Challenged Leao

Cardinale’s meeting with Amorim and the squad is intended to resolve the Leão situation within the remaining two weeks of the transfer window. The club will monitor new bids, particularly from Galatasaray, while assessing whether additional signings are required to complement the squad’s defensive and attacking options before the window closes.

Cardinale at Milanello: Meetings with Amorim and Leao on the agenda