Manchester United have received a major boost in their pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao, with reports suggesting the Portuguese forward is "dreaming" of a move to the Premier League. Once the darling of the San Siro, Leao has found himself targeted by his own fans after a difficult run of form, making a summer transfer increasingly likely.
The 26-year-old, who rose through the ranks at Sporting CP before a stint at LOSC Lille and then joining Milan in 2019, quickly established himself as one of the world's most exciting attackers. His "magical" skill set was on full display during the 2021/22 season, when he led the Rossoneri to a Scudetto title and earned the Serie A MVP Award. However, this campaign has been a different story. Leao has been jeered off the pitch by Milan supporters in three consecutive home matches—against Udinese, Juventus, and most recently Atalanta—signaling a growing rift between the player and the fanbase.
With his contract not set to expire until June 2028, Milan are now in a position to cash in on their star asset. According to Italian outlet Il Corriere dello Sport, the club is expected to set an asking price between €50 million (£43m) and €60 million (£52m). While Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have expressed interest and could offer a reunion with former teammate Theo Hernandez, Leao has reportedly made it clear he has no desire to move to the Middle East. Instead, his "dream" is to test himself in the Premier League.
This revelation will be music to the ears of Manchester United, who are among the clubs monitoring the situation closely alongside Chelsea. With the potential departure of Joshua Zirkzee this summer, United could be in the market for a versatile attacker capable of covering multiple roles—particularly on the left wing. Leao's pace, dribbling, and creativity would add a new dimension to Erik ten Hag's attack, and his desire to play in England gives the Red Devils a clear edge in any potential negotiations.
For Milan, the timing is right to move on. After years of being the team's talisman, Leao's relationship with the fans has soured, and a fresh start could benefit all parties. For United, landing a player of his caliber at a relatively reasonable price could be the statement signing they need to reignite their push for the top four and beyond.