Barcelona could loan Leao and snub Milan's buy clause, just as they did to United with Rashford

Manchester United could again be frustrated by Barcelona’s loan-without-commitment strategy, this time as rivals for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, who is widely expected to leave the San Siro this summer.

Leao, 27, publicly expressed his desire to depart Milan in May after seven years at the club, during which he scored 80 goals and contributed 65 assists in 291 appearances. Milan’s appointment of former United head coach Ruben Amorim has accelerated his exit, with Amorim’s wing-back system leaving little room for the Portuguese international. The club has lowered his asking price to around £51 million in an effort to attract buyers.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona have enquired about Leao’s availability, with club president Joan Laporta having maintained a long-standing interest in the player. Leao’s agent has also offered him to the Catalan club on multiple occasions. However, with Raphinha already established on the left wing and Anthony Gordon recently signed for £70 million, the position is not considered a priority at the Camp Nou.

That context makes a permanent move unlikely — but a loan deal is a different matter. Barcelona used exactly that approach with Rashford this past season, taking the United forward on loan before opting not to trigger his £26 million purchase clause, instead redirecting funds toward Gordon. United were left with no transfer fee and a player they had to reintegrate or move on.

Milan will be aware of that precedent and may insist on an obligation-to-buy clause in any loan agreement to avoid a similar outcome. With Leao’s contract running for two more years, the Italian club retains some leverage, but if no club meets their valuation outright, a structured loan could become the most viable route.

United are among a broader group of Premier League clubs linked with Leao, alongside interest from Saudi Pro League sides. His immediate future is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks now that Portugal have been eliminated from the World Cup by Spain, allowing him to shift focus back to club matters.