Milan seeks to keep Rafael Leao away from Barça with a drastic decision

AC Milan made a drastic decision this Monday that can be interpreted as a strategy to retain their star player, Rafael Leao. The team parted ways with their coach, Paulo Fonseca, after a home draw against Roma (1-1), leaving the Portuguese with a record of 16 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses in the first half of the 2024/25 season. In Serie A, the San Siro team dropped to eighth place with 27 points, 14 behind leaders Atalanta.

Fonseca maintained a tense relationship with Leao since his arrival, and his presence on the Milan bench was one of the factors that the Italian press referred to as key to the possible departure of the '10' next summer. Rafa has a contract until 2028, and Milan is asking for a minimum of 110 million euros to let him go. However, the forward has had a very positive initial approach with FC Barcelona, giving the Catalans hope of signing him for a much lower amount than what the 'rossoneri' are aiming for.

Milan has already confirmed Paulo Fonseca's replacement

In place of Fonseca, Milan signed the also Portuguese Sergio Conceição. The 50-year-old coach managed Porto for seven seasons, winning three leagues (2018, 2020, and 2022), in addition to eight other domestic titles (four Cups and four Supercups). The Coimbra native will debut this Friday, January 3, against Juventus in Riyadh, in the 'semis' of the Italian Supercup.

For Barça, the hiring of Conceição does not significantly change their strategy regarding Leao for 2025. The club will pursue the Portuguese if, ultimately, the option of Nico Williams is ruled out, although the Basque would come at a theoretically lower price (around 60M). Both Deco and Joan Laporta are confident they can sign the Portuguese international for a price close to 80M, as long as the club reaches the summer with the 1/1 guaranteed to strengthen.