Manchester United’s summer revolution is set to see the Old Trafford club make a series of big transfer deals, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s side tipped to “break the market” with the biggest of these all.
The Red Devils have been seeking attacking reinforcements since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in late 2022, and while Rasmus Hojlund is now starting to fill the boots of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, there is a sense that they need more in attack.
Marcus Rashford and Antony have endured poor seasons and there is little doubt that upgrades are being sought on both wings as a consequence.
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Fichajes reports that Man Utd are ready to make a deal that will effectively signal the end of Rashford’s Old Trafford career.
“Manchester United have set their sights on AC Milan striker Rafael Leao in a bid to strengthen their attacking line ahead of the next transfer market,” the Spanish source reports.
Leao, 24, has proven more a consistent offensive threat than Rashford, who has typically enjoyed hot streaks throughout his career before going on long quieter periods. The Portuguese has 12 goals and 12 assists to his credit this season. Last term, he scored 16 and created 15 in 48 outings.
Arsenal are also interested in Leao, the report claims, but Milan’s asking price is set to put the Premier League title challengers off making a move.
The winger’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is around the €70m mark, yet Man Utd clearly feel he is worth breaking the bank – and the transfer market in the words of Fichajes – for.
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Rashford’s new role if Leao signs
Rashford is offered some solace by Fichajes, which claims a deal for Leao “opens the door to new tactical strategies” for the 26-year-old.
This, it is suggested, includes playing through the middle. Quite where Rashford will find space ahead of an in-form Hojlund is questionable, though.
Indeed, the academy graduate’s time at the club would appear to be up if Leao joins – unless he is happy heading into his peak years on the Man Utd bench.
