Leeds United could satisfy Rafael Leao’s Premier League aim but wages pose major hurdle

Leeds United could hand Rafael Leao the Premier League move he wants this summer, but the price may be beyond Daniel Farke’s side.

According to Leeds Live, the AC Milan forward is being offered around Europe and has been linked with Elland Road, while Manchester United, Arsenal and Galatasaray have been mentioned without acting on their interest.

Leeds have yet to make a formal bid, and any package for Leao could test the club’s financial limits.

The 27-year-old reportedly earns about £100,000 a week at Milan and has less than two years left on the five-year contract he signed in 2023. He is among the Rossoneri’s top earners and is likely to seek a rise on what could be the most lucrative deal of his career.

Leeds know top-flight status demands Premier League-level wages, yet Leao’s expectations may still sit outside their comfort zone.

In June, after Milan narrowly missed Champions League qualification for next season, Leao said he needed a new challenge, noting he has already won two trophies in Italy. He has identified England as one of his preferred destinations, suiting his direct dribbling and runs in behind, though his technical consistency has been questioned at times.

His recent output has dipped, with 10 goals in all competitions last term his lowest return since 2020/21. A deal could yet work if he accepts a reduced base salary with sizeable incentives, but if his wage stance does not shift, Leeds may be wiser to look elsewhere.

Source: Leeds Live

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”