Milan Transfer Market: Everything Changes—Will Leao Stay and Maignan Leave?

Milan’s transfer market is entering its decisive phase, and Rafael Leao is at the center of it all. Earlier this summer, before the World Cup, the Portuguese forward had repeatedly expressed his desire to move on and try a new experience. Upon returning from the World Cup, perhaps due to a lack of substantial offers, the situation has changed, however, and the Portuguese winger—intrigued by the new direction set by his compatriot Ruben Amorim—seems to have partially reconsidered his position.

Milan has already prepared for a future without him, but has no intention of selling the player for less than 60 million euros—a figure deemed essential to then seek a replacement on par with the Portuguese winger. So far, the only club to make a concrete move for the player has been Galatasaray, which has not gone beyond an offer of 35 million euros—a figure deemed completely inadequate by the Rossoneri.

Milan has no intention of even considering a loan with an obligation to buy, but is aiming for an immediate permanent transfer. The Turkish champions will therefore have to raise their offer to secure the player, even though the odds of him staying have suddenly increased.

Meanwhile, a controversy has erupted at Milan surrounding Mike Maignan: the Rossoneri captain, like his compatriot Adrien Rabiot, requested and was granted an additional four days of vacation and will not return to Milanello until August 16—one week before the start of the league season. This behavior has been deemed incomprehensible by the club’s fans, who have made their voices heard on social media. For many insiders, Rabiot and Maignan’s behavior seems to be a prelude to discontent on the part of the two players. Many fans, already irritated by the goalkeeper’s absence from Franco Baresi’s funeral, are calling for the captain’s armband to be reassigned to Luka Modric.

Maignan, just like Youssouf Fofana (who is set to leave), has deleted all references to Milan from his Instagram profile—another sign of a possible rift that could come to a head in the coming days. The goalkeeper, who just last January had extended his contract through 2031, has been linked in the past to Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.