Manchester United have reportedly placed a substantial offer of £87 million for AC Milan’s talented forward Rafael Leao, as per reports. The Portuguese international, who has also caught the eye of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, is believed to be the latest target in United’s ongoing quest to bolster their squad.
Following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, the Red Devils took decisive action in the summer, raising considerable funds by offloading prominent players such as Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jadon Sancho. This financial manoeuvre enabled them to splash approximately £230m on key signings, with Senne Lammens, Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha arriving to revitalise the squad under Ruben Amorim’s stewardship.
While these new recruits have positively impacted the team’s recent form, with victories over Sunderland and Liverpool, Manchester United acknowledge that further improvements are necessary. The pursuit of a dynamic No.6 continues, after narrowly missing out on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the recent transfer window. Nevertheless, Leao’s acquisition could signal another major step forward.
Fichajes reports that United’s offer for Leao has been accelerated amidst interest from Liverpool and Manchester City. His performances have caught the eye this season, particularly after recovering from a calf injury, scoring three goals in two Serie A matches. However, three critical factors could influence his decision: the significant release clause in his contract, the necessity of maintaining his performance level in the Premier League, and his personal desire for a move to England.
In addition to targeting established stars, United have also turned their focus towards nurturing future talents, having recently secured the signing of 16-year-old goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County, as revealed by The Athletic. Hardy, an England youth international, will integrate into the club’s academy setup, under the guidance of Darren Fletcher, and is set to sign a professional contract upon turning 17 next year.
The transfer saga of Rafael Leao continues to unfold, with Manchester United leading the charge in what could be one of the most intriguing deals of the upcoming windows.