NafisaLeeds United could potentially give Rafael Leao exactly what he wants this summer, with the AC Milan forward openly admitting that the Premier League is one of the destinations that appeals to him.
However, while the opportunity may be there for Daniel Farke’s side to make an ambitious move, the financial demands involved could make a deal extremely difficult.
Leao has been linked with a move away from Milan throughout the summer, with Leeds among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Manchester United, Arsenal and Galatasaray have also been associated with the Portugal international, although none have yet turned their interest into a concrete deal.
That could leave Leeds with an opportunity if they decide to test Milan’s resolve.
The 27-year-old is regarded as one of the most dangerous wide attackers in European football when operating at his best, and his pace, direct running and ability to beat defenders would undoubtedly add another dimension to Farke’s attack.
But there is one major problem.
Rafael Leao wants the Premier League:
Leao has already made his desire for a fresh challenge clear.
After Milan missed out on Champions League qualification last season, the Portuguese forward admitted that he felt ready to leave Serie A behind after spending several years in Italy.
“I need a new challenge,” Leao said in June. “I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while.”
His comments did not stop there.
Leao specifically identified England as one of the destinations where he believes his style of football could flourish.
“The league (Serie A) is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent as a player.”
That is particularly interesting from a Leeds perspective.
The Whites are back in the Premier League and are attempting to establish themselves as a permanent top-flight club after securing their survival last season.
Farke has already been backed heavily in the transfer market, with James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson among the notable additions.
A player of Leao’s profile, however, would represent an entirely different level of ambition.
His explosive acceleration and willingness to attack defenders directly would give Leeds a genuine game-changing option in the final third. The Portuguese forward has repeatedly demonstrated that he can turn a match with a single burst of pace or moment of individual quality.
And crucially, the player himself appears to believe England would suit him.
The problem could be Rafael Leao’s wages:
The biggest obstacle for Leeds is unlikely to be convincing Leao that the Premier League is worth trying.
It could be convincing him that Elland Road is the right destination.
Leao is reportedly earning around £100,000 per week at Milan, where he remains one of the club’s highest-paid players.
That figure already puts him around the top end of Leeds’ current wage structure.
Tarik Muharemovic recently moved into the club’s highest-earning bracket on a reported £100,000-a-week salary, while Sean Longstaff is also understood to be earning around £80,000 per week.
Leao, though, would probably expect significantly more than his current salary if he were to sign what could be the biggest contract of his career.
That is where the numbers start to become problematic for Leeds.
The Whites are clearly willing to increase their wage bill as they establish themselves in the Premier League, but there is still a difference between gradually increasing salaries and committing a huge percentage of the budget to one superstar.
Leao’s reported valuation of around £45million would already represent a substantial investment.
Add a significant salary, signing costs and potentially other bonuses into the equation and the overall package could quickly become enormous.
Leeds could give Leao exactly what he wants:
From a footballing perspective, however, there is a compelling argument for Leeds to at least explore the possibility.
Leao wants a new challenge.
He wants to test himself in the Premier League.
And Leeds are building a team that could potentially offer him a starring role rather than making him one of several expensive attacking options.
That could be an important selling point.
At Manchester United or Arsenal, Leao would face enormous competition for places and expectations. At Leeds, he could immediately become the focal point of the attack and one of the biggest names at Elland Road.
There is also the Cristiano Ronaldo factor.
Leao has previously spoken about the Manchester United icon as one of his idols, and following in the footsteps of his compatriot by testing himself in England would represent another significant chapter in his career.
For Leeds supporters, the idea is obviously mouth-watering.
A player of Leao’s calibre would send an enormous statement about the club’s ambitions after returning to the Premier League.
But there is still a huge difference between an opportunity existing and a deal being realistic.
Leeds have not made a formal bid for Leao, and unless the financial demands surrounding both the transfer fee and his salary change considerably, this remains a hugely ambitious proposition.
For now, Leao’s Premier League dream is real.
Whether Leeds are prepared to pay enough to turn that dream into reality is another question entirely.
Nafisa
