Leao returns to Milan training but remains up for sale in final week of transfer window
Quick summary
Rafael Leao is back training with AC Milan ahead of the new season but remains available for transfer with the window closing soon.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRafael Leao is back in training with Milan after missing almost the last two weeks, but he remains up for sale in the final week of the summer transfer window.
Leao latest: Back in Milan training, Galatasaray haven’t matched €50m request Milan have been attempting to find a buyer for Leao for the whole summer after the Portugal international made it clear that he felt this would be the right time to move on at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Leao has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League or LaLiga, but despite links to an array of clubs across Europe, most recently to Aston Villa, a transfer away from Milan has not yet materialised.
Milan have already seemingly moved on from Leao: Head coach Ruben Amorim has recently insisted that “Rafa is not important,” and supporters are already impressed by his teenage replacement Alphadjo Cisse, who netted his first Serie A goal in Milan’s first league match of the 2026-27 season over the weekend.
But still Leao remains on the club’s books and there is just one week of the Serie A transfer window left to go.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) According to reports from various outlets on Wednesday, Leao has returned to training with Milan after missing the last 12 days.
He was not involved with the Rossoneri squad for their pre-season friendly against Manchester United, nor for their first Serie A match of the season against Torino over the weekend.
As for the interested parties, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Aston Villa have decided against proceeding with a potential deal for Leao, although some other outlets in Italy claim that the Premier League side are still in the mix.
There is also Galatasaray, who have not yet matched Milan’s €50m request for the Portugal international. Reports on Wednesday claim that their current offer stands at €42m including bonuses.
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What happened
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has returned to training with the squad after the summer break, but the club has not ruled out selling him before the transfer window shuts. Reports suggest Milan would consider a significant offer for the Portuguese forward, who remains one of their most valuable assets. With the window entering its final week, potential suitors could still test Milan's resolve. For now, Leao is back in the group and available for selection as the new season approaches.
Chance analysis
Leao's return to training provides Milan with a selection boost heading into the new campaign, but the lingering possibility of a sale keeps his situation in flux. The Portuguese winger has been central to Milan's attacking identity in recent seasons, and any departure would force a tactical reshuffle late in the window. Keeping a marquee player in limbo can affect dressing-room dynamics, even if no formal exit materialises. Milan's stance signals they are open to a big-money offer rather than actively pushing him out.
Milan retain a key attacking option for now, but uncertainty around Leao's future could affect squad planning and dressing-room focus late in the window.