Tuttosport: Decisive season awaits Leao as renewal crossroads cannot be ruled out

Rafael Leao is expected to play a key role in Max Allegri’s Milan this season, but as highlighted in the papers this morning, it will be up to the winger to seize the opportunity. 

As highlighted by today’s edition of Tuttosport, as transcribed by MilanNews, the problem is that Leao has only shown his absolute top in spells over the past seasons. Furthermore, he hasn’t always been able to show up in the big moments, perhaps with the exception of the Scudetto year.

Having said that, Allegris is convinced that he can play a key role in the ‘new Milan’ and he will give him all the tools possible to do so. Then, of course, it’s up to Leao to seize the opportunity and show that he’s for real as, after six years, no one is really sure about his centrality at the club.

2028 deadline looms

The first renewal was a struggle for Milan, requiring long negotiations and a hefty pay rise, but the parties got there in the end. The deadline isn’t that far away, however, and it’s not certain that the Rossoneri can make another push – or even renew at the same figures – in 2028.

As such, if nothing were to change in the upcoming season, things could start to move as early as next summer. Barcelona have been keeping tabs on the player for a very long time and there are bound to be more suitors as well, especially if Milan were to open up to a sale.

Seeing as he’s part of the squad for the upcoming pre-season friendlies, the Milan fans could get an early taste of the Portuguese winger’s contributions under Allegri.