Frank Christian
Bayern Munich has had a tough week, with their key target, Florian Wirtz, seemingly set to join Liverpool.
Additionally, Leroy Sane might depart the club for free as he has turned down the latest contract proposal from Bayern.
In light of these situations, Bayern is actively seeking a left-winger and has been linked to several players. Consistently mentioned are Rafael Leao from AC Milan and Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton.
While other players are being considered, these two appear to be the leading candidates for Bayern’s summer transfer plans.
Recently, Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus shared his views in a column for Sky Sports Germany, recommending that Bayern pursue Leao for his ability to play both as a winger and a center forward, which could be crucial for providing support to Kane during his rest periods.
“Bayern could greatly benefit from a fresh option on the left side. Rafael Leão is an excellent choice. Although primarily a left winger for Milan, his capability to play as a striker is vital, especially for when Kane needs a break,” Matthaus noted.
Leao is undoubtedly one of Milan’s top talents, but following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, there are indications they may need to offload some players. The Portuguese winger is also rumored to be departing Serie A this summer.
What might Rafael Leao’s transfer fee be?
Leao’s contract with Milan extends until 2028, and any interested team will have to invest a substantial amount to acquire him. He joined Milan in 2019 and quickly became one of their standout players.
However, his situation took a turn after a fallout with previous Milan manager Paulo Fonseca. His rapport with the club’s management has not improved since the arrival of Sérgio Conceição.
According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, these conflicts should not affect the valuation that Milan is seeking for their Portuguese star. Leao has a release clause set at €175 million, although this number is likely too high for any club to meet. Milan has an initial asking price of €130 million.
Besides Bayern, Leao has garnered attention from clubs in the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League. Teams like Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr are allegedly ready to offer him €25 million annually. Nonetheless, Bayern and Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to match those figures.
While there is significant excitement surrounding Leao, his performance this season has been subpar, with only 12 goals and 10 assists in 50 matches across all competitions for the Rossoneri, marking his lowest output in the last four years.
Updates and related news regarding Bayern Munich
- Where Jonathan Tah fits into Bayern Munich’s lineup as he undergoes a medical examination
- Bayern Munich intensifies unexpected interest in a Premier League winger
- Viral tweet seemingly dismisses the possibility of Florian Wirtz transferring to Bayern Munich
