Rafael Leao wants to leave AC Milan this summer. The reason is not just ambition, but tactical dissatisfaction: the Portuguese feels forced to play in an area of the pitch that doesn't belong to him. Fabrizio Biasin, guest on 'È semper derby', explained that Leao prefers to act as a low winger on the left wing, an area in which he can make the most of his speed and dribbling.
«Many things that Milan have done come from him», underlined Biasin, highlighting the importance of the attacker in the Rossoneri's offensive maneuver. Leao's desire to join the Premier League is known, but at the moment there are no concrete proposals from English clubs. This uncertainty could force AC Milan to make a difficult choice: lower the economic bar to find an agreement or risk having to keep him in the squad without the certainty of being able to make the best use of him.
Biasin also recalled that Leao has already openly expressed his desire to leave, but the lack of concrete alternatives complicates the negotiations. ” Leao is not the only European striker to suffer a forced role change: similar cases have shown how tactical rigidity can accelerate transfer requests. In 2022, Bayern Munich striker Serge Gnabry found himself playing as a second striker, a position that did not make him effective.
His frustration led to transfer rumors and a summer of complex negotiations, until the Bavarian club returned to fielding him on the right wing, where he was more incisive. Jarrod Bowen's experience at West Ham, moved from winger to second striker in 2023, also highlighted how non-optimal positioning can compromise individual performances and confidence in the project. Another key element is the competition in attack against Milan.
With Olivier Giroud still in the squad and youngsters like Samuel Chukwueze and Luka Romero looking for space, Leao finds himself having to compete for a role that no longer feels like his. The presence of a center forward like Giroud, skilled in aerial play and finishing, further limits the tactical options for a player like Leao, who bases his impact on speed and dribbling. This overlapping of roles risks making his stay less strategic for the club, especially if the Portuguese does not feel valued in the right way.
AC Milan therefore finds itself at a crossroads: sell Leao at a lower price than desired or find a solution that keeps him in the squad, perhaps reviewing the tactical approach to accommodate his characteristics. Biasin underlined that the Rossoneri management should evaluate whether a change of coach or game system could resolve the situation, but at the moment there are no concrete signs in this direction. Biasin also recalled that Leao has already openly expressed his desire to leave, but the lack of concrete alternatives complicates the deal.
” The Premier League represents an ideal horizon for Leao not only for the competitive level, but also for the type of football offered: teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown in recent years that they prefer attackers capable of exploiting tight spaces and pure speed, characteristics that align perfectly with the Portuguese's profile. However, English clubs still seem cautious in moving for a player who, although valuable, does not guarantee immediate tactical certainties. Competition from players such as Alexander Isak or Ivan Toney, already consolidated in the Premier League, adds a further obstacle to the negotiation.
The pressure on Stefano Pioli has grown after the latest performances from Leao, who has shown signs of disengagement in some matches. An example is the defeat against Lazio in May, when the Portuguese was replaced at the beginning of the second half without apparent technical reasons. Similar situations fuel the debate within the club: retaining an unhappy player risks compromising the harmony of the locker room, while selling him without an adequate return could weaken the squad in an already critical market for the Rossoneri.
What will happen now? Milan have until September 1st to close any operations, but the summer window is getting short. If Leao does not find a place in the Premier League, the club will have to decide whether to keep him in the squad with a reduced role or focus on market alternatives to replace him.
A transfer to an Italian or European club could be the most realistic option, considering the high costs of English transfers and the need to collect liquidity for the signing campaign. Read at MilanNews24
Why this matters
Rafael Leao is AC Milan's most valuable attacking midfielder. His possible sale would force the club to review its entire summer strategy, with repercussions on the squad and the market. Biasin identifies tactical frustration as the root of the desire to leave, not only in the search for a new challenge. The lack of concrete proposals from the Premier League complicates the deal and could force the club to renegotiate the financial level or find alternative solutions. The Leao case reflects a broader trend: Italian clubs struggle to retain their talents when they do not feel valued in the gaming system, risking losing fundamental assets for future competitiveness. The Premier League, with its demands for speed and verticality, represents an irresistible attraction for a player like Leao, but the Rossoneri management will have to act quickly to avoid being left with a valuable but unused piece.
Frequently asked
Why does Rafael Leao want to leave AC Milan?
According to Fabrizio Biasin, the Portuguese feels tactically limited: he is deployed too high compared to his preferred area, which has affected his performance and motivation.
What is Leao's ideal role?
Leao prefers to act as a low winger on the left flank, an area where he can exploit his speed and dribbling in wider spaces, rather than being forced into more central positions.
Has Leao already spoken about a possible move to the Premier League?
Yes. Biasin confirmed that the player has openly expressed his desire to come to England, even if at the moment there are no concrete offers from English clubs.
What does AC Milan risk if Leao is not sold?
The club would have to deal with one less valuable asset, forcing it to rethink the squad in view of next season and find offensive alternatives, perhaps with targeted signings or promoted young players.
What is Leao's current position on the pitch?
According to Biasin, Leao is often positioned higher than his comfort zone, forcing him to cover spaces less congenial to his playing style.
Are there any precedents of players leaving due to similar tactical problems?
Yes. Serge Gnabry at Bayern Munich in 2022 and Jarrod Bowen at West Ham in 2023 experienced similar situations: moved into sub-optimal roles, they saw their performances decline and pushed for a transfer or an overhaul of the playing system.
