Rafael Leão wants to leave Milan as Bayern Munich emerge as frontrunners

After six seasons at AC Milan, Rafael Leão is preparing for a new chapter in his career. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany, the Portuguese forward has officially requested to leave the club. While Milan are not categorically opposed to the move, their stance is clear: they are demanding a guaranteed transfer fee of at least €70 million, excluding bonuses.

Leão’s decision is closely linked to Milan’s sporting decline in recent years. After finishing second behind Inter in the 2023/24 Serie A season, Milan slumped to eighth in 2024/25—and as a result, failed to qualify for any European competition, including the UEFA Europa Conference League. As noted by Football Italia in November 2024, Leão expressed frustration at the club’s trajectory by sharing a post on Instagram that read:

“Progress is impossible without change.”

During the 2024/25 season, Leão made 50 appearances across all competitions, contributing 12 goals and 13 assists.

Bayern’s plan: building around Kane and Leão

Still only 25, Leão is regarded as one of Europe’s most explosive wide players. Known for his acceleration, dribbling in open space, and one-on-one prowess, he has been on Bayern Munich’s radar for some time. According to Plettenberg, the German champions have already made contact with Leão’s representatives by phone, although no formal offer has been submitted yet.

The timing of Bayern’s renewed interest is telling. The club aims to reshape their attacking line around Harry Kane. According to Bavarian Football Works, Leroy Sané’s contract expires in June 2025, and the player has yet to accept a renewal offer. Meanwhile, despite Kingsley Coman being under contract until 2027, Bayern are reportedly open to letting him leave this summer. These developments have left the left wing as a key area for restructuring, and Leão is viewed as one of the most valuable and fitting candidates to fill that void.

Gakpo also on Bayern’s shortlist

In addition to Leão, Bayern Munich have also identified Cody Gakpo as a priority target. According to Kicker, the Bundesliga champions have placed both players high on their summer transfer list and are monitoring their situations closely. However, it is anticipated that both deals could cost in excess of €70 million.

Bayern’s transfer strategy involves comparing the profiles of Leão and Gakpo to determine the better tactical fit. Gakpo’s performances at Liverpool and his potential link-up with Harry Kane make him a compelling option. Nonetheless, Football Insider reports that Liverpool have no plans to sell, as Gakpo remains under contract until 2028 and is seen as a key figure in Arne Slot’s long-term system.

Kim Min-jae could be part of the deal

According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are considering the possibility of including Kim Min-jae as part of any deal for Leão. If this scenario materialises, the South Korean defender would return to Serie A following his previous stint with Napoli.

Bayern are open to selling Kim, but are seeking a fee of at least €30 million. His annual net salary of €8–9 million presents a financial challenge for Milan, and Bayern are reportedly unwilling to consider a loan move at this stage.

From Sporting to Milan: a turbulent rise

Leão’s career has followed a turbulent yet rapid trajectory. He spent a decade at Sporting CP, joining the academy at age nine. In 2018, following a violent fan invasion of the training ground, he unilaterally terminated his contract. While Bruno Fernandes was convinced to stay, Leão opted to join Lille before making his move to Milan, where he established himself at the top level.

What makes Leão so unique?

Leão is one of the rare players who combine technical finesse with raw physicality. His playing style can be summarised as follows:

• Exceptional ball control—capable of beating defenders even in tight spaces.

• Elite one-on-one ability—cutting inside from the left to create scoring opportunities.

• Effective off the ball—his timing and movement behind defensive lines stand out.

• Improved composure and decision-making around the penalty area in 2024/25.

These attributes make Leão far more than a traditional winger; he has become a central pillar of his team’s attacking structure.

Bayern’s pursuit is longstanding

According to ESPN, Bayern’s interest in Leão is not a sudden development. The club has been planning a wide-area overhaul for some time. While Cody Gakpo remains a viable option, Leão’s superior European pedigree and tactical synergy with Harry Kane set him apart as the leading candidate.

The decision nears

The outcome now rests with both Leão and Bayern. The player wants to leave, Milan are prepared to sell, and Bayern are interested—but no formal offer has yet been made. If Bayern submit an official bid in the coming weeks, this could become one of the headline transfers of the summer. Signing a player of Leão’s calibre would send a clear signal of Bayern’s ambitions in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.