Exclusive: How Rafael Leao feels about leaving AC Milan after Tottenham offered chance to sign him
Rafael Leao has made his stance clear regarding a potential departure from AC Milan, despite growing interest from top Premier League clubs—particularly Tottenham Hotspur. According to TBR Football, the Portuguese winger remains fully committed to the Rossoneri and is excited by the new era under returning manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Allegri’s Return Sparks Optimism at the San Siro
Massimiliano Allegri’s return to AC Milan has reignited enthusiasm within the club after an underwhelming season saw the Italian giants miss out on European qualification. Having been away from Milan for nearly 11 years, Allegri is expected to usher in a tactical and cultural revival—and Rafael Leao is expected to play a central role in that transformation.
Sources close to the club reveal that Allegri is eager to work with Leao and has already laid out a clear vision for the Portuguese international. The 26-year-old winger is seen not just as a valuable asset, but as a potential world-class forward capable of leading Milan’s attack for years to come. Allegri reportedly believes he can unlock even greater levels in Leao’s game, and has personally expressed his desire to build the team’s offensive structure around him.
Tottenham Offered Leao but Milan Stand Firm
In light of injuries and departures at Tottenham, intermediaries have attempted to gauge interest in a possible deal for Leao. Spurs are currently dealing with a major attacking crisis—James Maddison is sidelined with injury, while Son Heung-min has completed a move away from North London. The club is under pressure to reinforce its forward line before the transfer window closes.
According to Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent at TBR Football, Spurs were recently offered the opportunity to sign Leao by agents acting on their behalf. While the proposal may have been speculative or opportunistic, such approaches are not uncommon in modern football and have occasionally led to blockbuster transfers.
However, Bailey has confirmed that AC Milan are not entertaining the idea of letting Leao leave, and the player himself appears uninterested in an exit. “I’ve spoken to people within Milan,” Bailey said, “and they are adamant—Leao is not for sale. Even though Allegri has just taken charge, he’s already made it known that Leao is central to his plans. He gave the green light for the sale of Tijjani Reijnders, which shows he does have influence, but when it comes to Leao and Pulisic, he’s made it very clear: they stay.”
Leao Focused on Future at Milan
Leao is said to be encouraged by the direction Allegri wants to take the team and is looking forward to developing under a coach who has won multiple Serie A titles. Rather than looking for a move, the forward appears motivated to grow into one of the best attackers in the world at Milan—exactly the trajectory Allegri envisions for him.
This loyalty and belief in the project at Milan, especially during a period of transition, is a welcome development for fans who feared an exodus following the club’s recent decline in European performance. Leao’s continued presence gives the Rossoneri a foundation to build upon as they aim to return to the top of Italian and European football.
Tottenham’s Attacking Concerns Mount
Meanwhile, Tottenham face a concerning situation. With just 26 days left in the transfer window, they have yet to find replacements for two of their most influential players. Maddison and Son combined for 46 goal contributions last season, and their absence leaves a glaring hole in the team’s offensive output.
Tottenham have also shown interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, but like Leao, he is not currently open to a move. As Spurs scramble to identify realistic targets for both the number ten and left-wing positions, time is running out.
If they fail to bring in quality reinforcements, they risk starting the new Premier League campaign with a significantly weakened attacking unit, which could derail their ambitions of challenging for European spots or even competing in domestic competitions.
Conclusion: Milan Hold Their Star, Spurs Must Regroup
While Tottenham’s search for elite-level attackers continues, AC Milan can rest easy knowing that one of their brightest stars is staying put. Rafael Leao remains committed to the Rossoneri project, excited by the arrival of Allegri, and poised to enter a new phase of his development.
As Milan look ahead with optimism, Tottenham are left to reassess their options in an increasingly competitive transfer market—where top-quality forwards are proving harder to land with each passing day.