The Portuguese star remains committed to the Rossoneri despite interest from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia
Rafael Leão and AC Milan have taken the first steps toward what could become a long-term contract extension tying the Portuguese star to the club until 2030.
The discussions are still in the early stages, but the message from both sides is clear: Leão wants to stay in Milan. Club executives have already opened dialogue with the player’s representatives — a group that includes family members, agents, and legal advisors — and additional meetings are expected in the coming weeks.
Leão’s current contract runs through 2028, but the idea under consideration is a two-year extension that would also include a salary increase.
A Goal That Meant More
The conversation about Leão’s future comes just days after another milestone moment for the forward.
His goal in Milan’s recent Serie A win over Cremonese carried symbolic weight. The Portuguese attacker celebrated with his trademark “surfing” pose — this time sharing the moment with teammate Christopher Nkunku, who provided the assist during a fast break.
The strike was Leão’s ninth league goal of the season, already surpassing his total from the previous campaign. It also marked his 80th goal for Milan since arriving in 2019, another reminder of the impact he has had at the club.
With several months left in the season, bigger milestones are now within reach — including the possibility of hitting the 100-goal mark in Rossoneri colors.
From Rising Talent to Team Leader
Leão joined Milan from Lille in the summer of 2019 and quickly evolved from promising prospect into one of the faces of the club’s modern era.
After playing a key role in the team’s Serie A title run and delivering standout performances in the Champions League, he signed a major contract renewal in 2023 that elevated him to the highest-paid player in the squad.
His salary jumped from around €1.5 million early in his Milan career to approximately €5.5 million plus bonuses.
Now another adjustment could be on the horizon.
Under coach Massimiliano Allegri, Leão has also embraced a tactical evolution. The Portuguese star has accepted playing as a central striker at times — a role that may reduce some of the flashy wing runs that defined his early Milan years but has made him even more efficient in front of goal.
A Strong Bond With Milan
Off the field, Leão’s connection with the club and the city remains strong.
He recently spent time at the club’s official store in Milan with friends, buying team merchandise — a small but telling sign of how comfortable he feels in the Rossoneri environment.
Like goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who recently renewed his contract, Leão is seen as a cornerstone of Milan’s long-term project.
Even in recent weeks, he has shown commitment by continuing to play through a minor adductor muscle issue that has limited his explosive speed. Despite the discomfort, he has remained a regular presence in the lineup.
Outside Interest Remains
While the negotiations are underway, Milan are aware that competition could eventually arrive.
Clubs from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League are among the few capable of matching both Milan’s valuation and the player’s salary expectations.
For now, however, no official offers have reached the club.
Leão’s immediate focus remains the end of the season — reaching double-digit goals in Serie A, helping Milan return to Europe’s elite competitions, and continuing to raise his profile with Portugal national team.
The contract discussions will continue later. But if the early signals hold true, Milan supporters could see their star forward wearing red and black well into the next decade.
