Report: Rafael Leao could leave AC Milan for Al-Hilal
Quick summary
Reports in Italy say AC Milan are increasingly likely to sell Rafael Leao this summer. Al-Hilal are described as a potential destination, where he could reunite with Theo Hernandez.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceReports on Thursday suggest that Rafael Leao is coming to the end of his time with Milan, and updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that he could be reunited with his former partner in crime Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal.
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News and Content – Free Trial – Click Here Could Leao reunite with Theo Hernandez at Al-Hilal?
Thursday’s reports claim that Milan will look to sell Leao this summer after seven seasons in San Siro. Leao has been one of the stars of the Rossoneri camp for several seasons, but has struggled to impress at centre-forward under Massimiliano Allegri this term, and the growing feeling is that the summer may be the right time to part company with the Portugal international.
Leao still has a staggering €175m release clause in his contract, and there had previously been reports of an offer in the region of €100m from Chelsea, however, these figures are now considered unattainable for Milan.
Instead, the Rossoneri are looking at a sale for figures in the region of €50m-€60m according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Even at a discounted price, Leao doesn’t seem to have an enormous number of options in front of him. Thursday’s report claims that there is interest from both Manchester United and Barcelona, but nothing particularly concrete on either of those fronts.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that there is still interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who has explored the possibility of signing Leao last summer as well. Al-Hilal are led by former Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi and also have Leao’s former left-flank partner Theo Hernandez on their playing staff.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Rafael Leoa after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on January 14, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) It remains to be seen whether or not Leao is ‘open’ to the idea of leaving Europe for the Saudi Pro League at the age of 26.
As things stand, the other available option to Leao is to try and convince Milan into continuing their relationship together, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that this is a ‘less likely’ scenario and that a sale this summer is the most likely conclusion.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Football Italia, citing La Gazzetta dello Sport, reports that Rafael Leao may be nearing the end of his AC Milan career after seven seasons. Milan are said to be open to a summer sale, with previous expectations around his release clause now replaced by a reported valuation closer to €50m-€60m. Interest from Manchester United and Barcelona is mentioned, but the article says nothing concrete has developed. Al-Hilal are presented as a serious option, especially with Simone Inzaghi in charge and Theo Hernandez already at the club, although Leao's willingness to leave Europe remains unclear.
Chance analysis
This matters because Leao has been one of Milan's main attacking difference-makers, so any likely exit would materially affect their offensive ceiling and squad planning. For Al-Hilal, the move would represent a major attacking addition, but at this stage the story is still transfer reporting rather than a confirmed negotiation. Prediction systems should treat it as a meaningful squad-risk signal for Milan, not a finalized roster change.
The report creates medium-term uncertainty around Milan's attack while hinting at a possible boost for Al-Hilal if a deal advances.
Downgrade Milan attacking continuity slightly and monitor for stronger confirmation before making major model adjustments.