The ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ reports on Wednesday that Rafael Leão has signed a contract extension with Milan until 2028. According to the newspaper, the Portuguese international “resisted the distractions” of Chelsea and Real Madrid, who have recently pressed to secure the player’s services.
With this new contract, Rafael Leão’s salary rises to €7 million net per season – plus an additional €2 million in bonuses – and his release clause has been increased to €150 million. It should be noted that Rafael Leão is in doubt for tonight’s first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, where Milan hosts Inter at 8pm.
The news also confirms that Lille will assume full payment of the player’s debt to Sporting (€20.3 million, including taxes), but as previously reported, the club has appealed FIFA’s decision and is seeking €45 million in compensation for the player’s unilateral termination of his contract with the club’s administration – a process that will continue to drag on
Rafael Leão is happy at Milan
Despite the interest of other European clubs, Rafael Leão has committed his future to Milan. The Portuguese striker has been in good form this season, having scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 29 appearances in Serie A.
This contract extension is a big vote of confidence in the player’s ability, and it signals Milan’s intention to build a competitive team for the long term. The Italian club has struggled in recent years, but they are currently in second place in Serie A and are competing in the Champions League for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Milan fans will be pleased with this news, as it ensures that one of their key players will remain at the club for the foreseeable future. With a young and talented squad, the Rossoneri are looking to build a team that can challenge for domestic and European titles in the coming years.
Despite the ongoing legal battle between Sporting and Lille over the transfer of Rafael Leão, the player can now focus on helping Milan achieve success on the pitch. The 22-year-old has the potential to become one of the best strikers in Europe, and Milan fans will be hoping that he can fulfill that promise at the San Siro.
