Latest news with #RafaelLeao
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rafael Leao stands up for new Milan coach Allegri after Cassano insult
Rafael Leao stands up for new Milan coach Allegri after Cassano insult Max Allegri will reportedly put Rafael Leao at the centre of his Milan project and the positive feeling is mutual, as the forward defended his new coach against Antonio Cassano insults. It was made official this morning that Allegri has replaced Sergio Conceicao on the San Siro bench, signing a two-year contract with option for a third. Advertisement According to initial reports, the new boss is a big fan of Leao, having praised the Portuguese striker in the past, so will build the team around the mercurial talent. Leao eager to work with Allegri at Milan Massimiliano Allegri Juventus (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images) Having clashed with both Paulo Fonseca and Conceicao in recent months, Leao would seem to be looking forward to working with the Italian. He is certainly rushing to his defence, because there was a pointed reaction when former Milan player Cassano mocked Allegri on a video published on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Allegri won because he had me,' Cassano told IFTV. Rafael Leao replied to the clip with four laughing emojis, suggesting he was unimpressed with that view. epa12100655 Rafael Leao of Milan during the Italian Cup final soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI Allegri won the Scudetto at Milan in 2010-11, going on to secure another five at Juventus in a row. During that season, Cassano contributed four goals and eight assists in 17 Serie A appearances under Allegri.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United make contact with Rafael Leao over summer swoop
Manchester United have 'concrete interest' in signing Rafael Leao with AC Milan increasingly open to the 25-year-old winger's departure, according to a report. The Red Devils hold a long-standing interest in Leao whose unique blend of speed, strength and skill offers the quintessential prototype of a modern forward which few players in Europe can match when he's in form. Despite standing 6'2, Leao retains excellent acceleration and is an absolute nightmare for opposition defences when running with the ball at his feet at full flight, given his outrageous technical ability and powerful frame. However, he remains a player plagued by inconsistency; unable to find the next gear which will elevate his talent from prospect to premier amongst his peers. The Portuguese international finished the season with 8 goals and 8 assists in Serie A. For a winger with his talent, approaching his peak years in a league where pace and power puts you on a pedestal, he should be hitting double figures at a minimum in both. AC Milan have endured a difficult season domestically, however, potentially limiting Leao's contributions as a result. I Rossoneri finished 8th in the table, seven points off Champions League qualification and 19 points off league leaders Napoli. They lost the final of the Coppa Italia to Bologna, though did triumph in the Supercoppa Italiana over bitter rivals Inter Milan in January. But without the prospect of any European football for Milan next season, the club are believed to be 'increasingly' open to the sales of key stars – including Leao. A report by TEAMtalk reveals 'Milan's failure to qualify for European football next term has sent shockwaves through the club and opened the door for potential suitors to pounce and sign Leao. 'Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Man Utd, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all monitoring developments closely, with each side registering concrete interest in recent weeks. Arsenal and Barcelona have also touched base with Leao's representatives, we understand.' The report concludes that the 'most concrete' suitors for the 25-year-old winger are Bayern Munich, closely followed by United and Chelsea. A €100 million (£84m) price tag is mooted by TEAMtalk for Leao which would provide a significant stumbling block to the Reds' pursuit, even if the club were to sell Alejandro Garnacho to help fund a move. There is also the issue of one inside forward with excellent speed and incisive dribbling ability, who lacks the consistency or attitude to translate his talents on the pitch, having already been discarded by Ruben Amorim this season – Marcus Rashford. There are a number of parallels, both positive and negative, between Rashford and Leao. But most relevant is the fact that neither are a comfortable fit in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, making the prospect of an £84 million raid on the San Siro this summer a hard one to envision. Follow us on Bluesky: @
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Andrea Berta 'holds transfer talks' with new target as Arsenal stance emerges
Arsenal are on the lookout for a new forward this summer after missing out on the Premier League title and AC Milan star Rafael Leao has emerged as a target after scoring and assisting eight times in Serie A Arsenal chief Andre Berta has reportedly held talks with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao over the phone as interest in the Portugal international grows. The Gunners are desperate to sign a new striker this summer after missing out on the Premier League and Leao looks to be on their shortlist. Leao has emerged as one of Europe's most talented striker but has not had the most clinical season, netting eight in Serie A - though he did provide a further eight assists. The 25-year-old is also not the out-and-out striker Arsenal are craving and primarily plays at left wing. As a result, he is not at the top of the club's transfer shortlist - according to French outlet Foot Mercato. But after AC Milan missed out on Europe, there have been claims Leao could now leave the San Siro and the report claims Arsenal's new transfer chief Berta has already spoken to the player. Leao's contract expires in 2028, but without the riches that the Champions League offer, Milan may have to cash in on their top stars. He was left on the bench for AC Milan's final game against Monza on Saturday and there is now the prospect that he will never play for the club again. Foot Mercato adds that while Leao is a target, the club will prioritise other signings over him, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko among the top stars on their wishlist. Arsenal would have to pay around £63m to sign Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon after an incredible season saw him net 53 times, though the player's uncle Chris has shed doubt on a move to the Premier League. When asked if the family felt connected to Sporting, Chris replied: "Yes, very much... yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay." He was then quizzed about whether Gyokeres will stay, adding: "Yes, we think so." But the forward remained coy on his future when asked for clarity on his family's happiness during an interview with A Bola. He said: "They really like Portugal. I think they want to be here and enjoy the city, the good weather, and all the atmosphere. "But it's football and that's another thing. We'll see what happens. Yes [I would like to win a third title with Sporting], but we'll see. I don't know what will happen in the summer... let's see what happens." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Milan's Rafael Leao not seen as key target by Arsenal
Serie A side Milan find themselves in the middle of chaotic protests and with fans keen on making their voices heard about sales, Rafael Leao's future remains uncertain. Daniele Longo has reported that the Portuguese is not unsellable, having not featured at all for the club against Monza yesterday. There is a feeling that his time at Milan is coming to a sad ending. Advertisement Jorge Mendes is quite close to Leao's father and he is doing some work to bring an exit forth. Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta did make initial contact for the Portuguese ten days ago. There is interest from the Gunners, but Leao isn't their key target. Arsenal have other players on the shortlist and the winger is seen as an alternative target for the left-wing. Interest from Bayern Munich fails to find confirmation, but there is interest from Saudi Arabia and Chelsea. Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich eye Rafael Leao as winger search continues
Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, according to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Bundesliga champions want to sign a new high-profile left winger ahead of the new season. Leao is now high on their shortlist. Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma is also under consideration, but Bayern view Leao as a more experienced option with a higher ceiling. The Portuguese star has been linked to several top clubs across Europe over the past few years. With Milan missing out on Champions League football next season, Leao could consider leaving in search of a bigger stage. His agent, Jorge Mendes, shares a strong working relationship with Bayern sporting director Max Eberl. Talks between both camps have taken place in recent weeks, showing Bayern's clear interest in signing the 25-year-old attacker. Leao is renowned for his pace, skill and direct style of play. He can play as a left winger or through the middle. His versatility could be beneficial for manager Vincent Kompany, who is building a new-look attack for next season. Kompany wants wingers who can create space, beat defenders and provide goals and assists at the highest level. Leao fits that profile and has the ability to shine in the Bundesliga and Europe. The forward has bagged 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, despite Milan's inconsistency this term. He was a key part of the Milan squad that won the Serie A title in the 2021/22 season and named as the league's best player. Bayern's interest in Leao could lead to a bid, although no formal offer has been submitted yet.
