“AC Milan Nearing Contract Extension with Rafael Leao Until 2024, Confirms Manager Paolo Maldini”

Rafael Leao will probably extend his current contract until 2024 shortly – Photo: / Getty Images

For months, AC Milan has been trying to persuade its striker Rafael Leao to extend his contract. Now the Rossoneri appear to be nearing the end of the talks.

“We’re close to reaching an agreement with Rafael Leao. That’s what the club and of course the boy want,” manager Paolo Maldini confirmed to Prime ahead of the Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan, according to Calciomercato.com Video.

Leao moved from OSC Lille to the black and red part of Milan in 2019 for 30 million euros. The Portuguese international has long since significantly increased its market value. Premier League clubs are said to have offered up to €100m for the winger.

But Leao will probably not move to England. According to information from the Gazzetta dello Sport, the winger will sign a new five-year contract and will be paid a net annual salary of seven million euros in the future.

Rafael Leao missed the Champions League semi-final first leg through injury – Photo: Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Milan missed Rafael Leao against Inter Milan

How important the winger is for the game of coach Stefano Pioli’s team was shown on Wednesday. Without the ailing Portuguese (adductor problems), the offensive in the derby against the Nerazzurri was largely toothless, Inter had to admit defeat 2-0.

The Gazzetta dello Sport analyzed: “Without Leao, Milan will lose a large part of their offensive potential.” Without the 23-year-old, Milan is “like a tribe without a big leader.”

Sources used

Calciomercato.com