Rafael Leao of AC Milan has signed a new long-term deal with the Italian club putting an end to speculation over his future.
The Portugal international has put pen to paper on a deal that will run through the summer of 2028 after several months of serious negotiations.
The Italian powerhouse confirmed the new deal via their official website on Friday, 2nd of June, following several European clubs registering interest in the 23-year-old Portugal star.
The decision to extend Leao’s contract, which was originally slated to expire in the summer of 2024, is fantastic news for the Serie A club.
Rafael Leao has been heavily linked with a move away from the Italian club in January with a host of top clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saints Germain looking for his signature.
Leao’s contract renewal has been a contentious issue for the past few months, but talks appear to have finally come to an end during the past few weeks.
AC Milan announced the deal on their website with the following statement: “AC Milan is pleased to announce the extension of Rafael Alexandre da Conceicao Leao’s contract until 30 June 2028”.
Rafael Leao stats:
Rafael joined the Rossoneri in the summer of 2019, and he has already established himself as an essential part of the team’s success, making 162 appearances and scoring 41 goals with 29 assists to earn the title of “Best Serie A Player” in Italy’s top division last season.
In addition to his 14 goals, Leao has assisted on 15 others so far this year. These are staggering statistics, and there’s no denying that Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara deserve a lot of credit for making this rebirth possible.
Rafael’s deal and salary following his contract extension:
Rafael Leao will get €5 million a year including bonuses through 2028. AC Milan confirmed on Friday, June 2 that the contract will include a €175m release clause. A solid bargain for Milan, especially considering the interest from other major teams.
What’s next for Rafael Leao?
Leao will be looking forward to featuring for Milan’s Serie A playoff spot which has been locked up for the year. On Sunday, April 7th, 2022–2023, they will host Verona for the final game of their season.
Who’s Rafael Leao?
Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leao is a Portuguese professional football player who plays as a forward for Portugal’s national team and Serie A club AC Milan.
Rafael Leao age:
Leao was born on the 10th of June 1999, in Almada, Portugal.
Rafael Leao’s career:
Leo joined the first squad in 2018 after graduating from Sporting CP’s development program, where he won the Taça da Liga in 2017-18.
However, he ended his contract with the club after an incident occurred there. Soon after, he signed a free agent contract with Ligue 1 club Lille.
In 2019, he was reportedly purchased by AC Milan for €35 million. After an 11-year drought, he helped the club win the 2021-22 Serie A in his third season there.
He was also among the final 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or and was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.
Rafael Leao plays for Portugal at the international level, and he was a member of the under-17 squad that won the 2016 European Championship. In 2021, he debuted for his country’s senior national team.
