Leao confirms AC Milan exit as Manchester United weigh £43m winger move

Rafael Leao has confirmed he will leave AC Milan this summer, telling Sport TV Portugal he is ready for a new challenge — a declaration that places Manchester United on alert as Michael Carrick’s side prepare for their return to the Champions League.

“I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want a new chapter,” Leao said. “I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”

The 26-year-old winger is reportedly available for around £43 million following a difficult season in which Milan finished outside Serie A’s Champions League places and were relegated to the Europa League. United, understood to be in the market for a wide attacker this summer, have emerged as a potential destination alongside Chelsea, who have been linked with Leao over several previous windows.

Leao’s campaign statistics were modest by his own standards — nine goals and three assists across 29 league appearances — with the Portuguese largely deployed as a centre-forward rather than in his preferred left-wing role. His most productive seasons came when operating from the left: he registered ten assists and eight goals in 2024-25, and nine goals and ten assists the season before, across a career total of 61 goals and 56 assists in 208 appearances for the club.

Leao has previously spoken about his affinity for United, citing Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol and recalling how that connection made him a regular watcher of the club during his formative years.

United have already moved quickly in the transfer market since the season ended, with the club reported to be close to signing Atalanta midfielder Ederson. Carrick, whose interim tenure secured a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, has signalled that strengthening the squad this summer is a priority.