Leao open to Saudi Arabia move if European transfer fails
Quick summary
Rafael Leao is reportedly open to a move to Saudi Arabia if a transfer to a top European club does not materialise, amid ongoing exit rumours from AC Milan.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRafael Leao’s Milan future remains firmly in the spotlight, with the forward reportedly weighing a move away even as he features for Portugal at the World Cup.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via SOSFanta , there have been significant developments, starting with a change on the agency side of things.
Romano reports that super-agent Jorge Mendes has now entered the picture, having not been involved in the Leao situation earlier in the window, which is sure to get the ball rolling on a potential move.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 24: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks on from the substitutes bench prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Cagliari Calcio at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Europe the priority but Saudi Arabia a fallback for Leao The Portuguese forward is said to be prioritising a switch to one of Europe’s elite leagues, ideally the Premier League or La Liga, and will reportedly do everything he can to make that happen, with a strong World Cup potentially helping to stir interest.
Should no European opportunity arrive, however, Romano suggests Mendes would then explore options in Saudi Arabia for Leao, who has not completely closed the door on a move to Asia.
In Europe, Leao has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, as well as, more recently, Tottenham Hotspur, to join up with Roberto De Zerbi and former teammate Sandro Tonali .
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What happened
Rafael Leao could leave AC Milan in the coming transfer windows, with Saudi Arabian clubs emerging as a realistic destination should a move to another top European side fall through. Interest from clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona has been reported but has not produced a concrete offer. Leao's willingness to consider Saudi Arabia signals that the Portuguese forward is not opposed to an exit from Milan, raising the possibility of a significant transfer. Milan would likely demand a substantial fee for the 25-year-old, who remains one of Serie A's most talented attacking players.
Chance analysis
Leao's openness to Saudi Arabia is a significant signal in the transfer market. While European clubs remain the preferred destination, his flexibility broadens the pool of potential buyers and could accelerate Milan's efforts to cash in. For prediction systems, this introduces uncertainty around Milan's attacking depth for next season. A departure would free up significant wage budget and squad role but would weaken Milan's primary creative output unless adequately replaced.
A potential Leao departure would be a major negative for AC Milan's attacking quality, while the player himself gains leverage in negotiations.
Monitor Leao's situation closely; a confirmed exit would materially weaken Milan's attack and affect their Serie A and European projections.