Rafael Leao has emerged as a possible target for Manchester United this week. A move for the attacker would potentially be partially funded by an Old Trafford exit.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy about the Red Devils’ interest. Initial contact has been made for the attacker, and there was belief Joshua Zirkzee could be part of the move.
The Dutchman has been a target for the Rossoneri in the past, until Manchester United stole the march on them in 2024. He’s not managed to make a mark England, with Milan seeing him as an opportunity.
Now, Zirkzee might not be the only player Michael Carrick’s side can offer, as they try to sign Leao.
Three players seen as candidates
Journalist Carlo Pellegatti, on his Youtube channel, spoke about the rumours around Leao’s possible switch to Manchester United. He made it clear that two more players can be offered to the Rossoneri as part of the Portugal international’s exit.
Describing the Zirkzee situation, he said – via MilanNews: “Manchester United would offer three technical counterparts to sign Leao. The first is Joshua Zirkzee, a player who is already close to joining Milan. The cost is around €22-25m, so the compensation for Milan could be around €20m. Well, Zirkzee and Sorloth, I think, are a great opportunity for Milan and I think the fans like them.”
Manuel Ugarte is mentioned as the second option, with the Uruguayan sharing the same agent as Leao.
“The other, another great player, worth €30 million, is Ugarte, a player who cost Manchester €50m when they bought him from Paris Saint-Germain. He’s a very strong central midfielder.”
Pellegatti believes Marcus Rashford could also be put forward to Milan, even if a move for him would be complex.
“The last, who also put on a show for Barcelona, is Rashford. Well, Rashford is a player worth €40m, so the compensation would be, let’s say, not very high, but there is a problem and in fact he is a bit detached from the others because right now he earns €10m net, a figure that Milan can’t even get close to.”
Our take: Milan trying their best to sell Leao
It appears Jorge Mendes is at work to help Milan sell Leao. He’s had a frustrating season, having yet to meet the ten-goal mark in Serie A. There have been concerns about his fitness and his relationship with Max Allegri has been rather fractured.
The Rossoneri have dealt with Mendes repeatedly in the last few years – a bit like Manchester United. They signed Ugarte with his oversight, after Mendes had brought Leny Yoro.
A transfer involving Ugarte going one way and Leao going the other looks the clearest route on this one.
