Further confirmations continue to emerge that expose the story from La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier today about Rafael Leao’s renewal as being unfounded.
MilanNews claim to have spoken to qualified sources about the situation and they confirm that negotiations between Leao and Milan over the extension of his contract – currently expiring in June 2024 – are continuing but with the same obstacles.
The €19m fine owed to Sporting CP continues to weigh heavily in the talks and not even the €7.7m net per season including bonuses offered by Milan would be enough to get rid of the worry, given he would essentially play for two and a half years for free to pay the fine off and then start to collect money in his account.
Something not to be underestimated is that Sporting CP could also take revenge on any secondary accounts in Leao’s name and demand their seizure as already happens for 20% of the player’s current salary, which amounts to €1.5m net.
The situation is constantly evolving and the official press release from the club today confirmed that the dialogue with the player’s entourage continues in a serene and professional atmosphere.
MilanNews also believe talks have continued in recent days, but there are still differences of views on the release clause. Milan don’t want to go below €100m because they know very well that a club abroad might well want to pay that.
Maldini and Massara are firmly convinced that even in the event of a non-renewal, an offer commensurate with the player’s value could arrive in the summer of 2023 which would allow Milan to have more action on signings.
If Leao renews then the parties will go forward together obviously, but if an agreement is not reached then the management will start looking around for serious buyers and would reinvest the money collected.
Finally, the report states that Leao was spotted by some Milan fans outside a well-known restaurant in the city last Thursday and he confirmed he is happy at the club and is waiting for developments on the deal.
