There are increasing indications from Italian media that Rafael Leao might continue his tenure with AC Milan into the 2026-27 season. Neither Galatasaray nor Fenerbahce have successfully concluded a deal for the Portuguese international.

Could Leao Choose to Stay at Milan?

AC Milan has been aiming to offload Leao this summer. The 26-year-old winger has spent the last seven seasons at the San Siro and has openly expressed his feeling that now is the opportune moment to seek a new challenge.

However, AC Milan has not yet secured a buyer that satisfies both the club's and the player's requirements.

Leao has previously articulated his ambition to play in either the Premier League or La Liga. Thus far, the only significant interest has originated from Turkey, with both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce initiating discussions regarding a potential transfer.

Reports from over the weekend indicated that Fenerbahce was preparing an improved offer for Milan and Leao, reportedly valued at close to €50 million. However, according to TMW, the player remains unconvinced, and Milan is unwilling to consider offers below the €50 million threshold.

The Rossoneri are firm in their stance that Leao will only be sold outright this summer, with a minimum acceptable fee of €50 million, and initial requests starting at €60 million.

Given that the summer transfer window has less than a month remaining and progress in selling Leao has been minimal, there is a growing probability that the player will ultimately remain with Milan for the 2026-27 campaign.

Milannews.it suggests that while this remains the least likely outcome currently, it is a possibility that "cannot be ruled out."

Calciomercato also reports that Milan is still hopeful of selling Leao this summer but acknowledges the possibility that a resolution may not be reached, leading to the player staying with the club for another season.

TMW further reports that the presence of a compatriot, Ruben Amorim, in the Milan dugout could also play a significant role in Leao's potential decision to extend his stay at the San Siro for another season.

English Translation:

Growing reports Leao could stay at Milan as Fenerbahce have not yet convinced

There is a growing sentiment from Italian outlets that Portugal international Rafael Leao might end up staying with the Rossoneri for the 2026-27 campaign, as neither Galatasaray nor Fenerbahce have yet managed to finalize a deal for him.

Could Leao Decide to Stay at Milan?

AC Milan has been looking to sell Leao this summer. The 26-year-old has spent the last seven seasons at the San Siro and has made it clear on several occasions this summer that he feels it is the right time to move on and try something new.

However, as things stand, Milan has not yet found a buyer that will satisfy both the club’s and the player’s demands.

Leao has previously spoken about his ambition to play in either the Premier League or La Liga, but thus far, the only real interest has come from Turkey, where both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have had discussions over a potential deal.

Reports over the weekend claimed that Fenerbahce were preparing a new offer for Milan and Leao, understood to be worth ‘almost’ €50m, but according to TMW, the player remains unconvinced and Milan are unwilling to entertain offers below the €50m mark.

The Rossoneri are adamant that they will only sell Leao outright this summer and that it will take an absolute minimum of €50m, with requests starting at the €60m mark.

However, with less than a month of the summer transfer window remaining, and with not a great deal of progress made in selling Leao, there is a growing possibility that the player ends up staying on with Milan heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Milannews.it claims that this is still the most unlikely scenario on the cards as things stand, but that it is a possibility ‘which cannot be ruled out’.

Calciomercato also reports that Milan are still hoping to sell Leao this summer, but also states that there is a possibility that a solution is not found and that the player ends up staying with the club for another season.

TMW adds that having a compatriot in the Milan dugout in Ruben Amorim could also be a key factor in Leao’s potential decision to stick it out for another season in San Siro.