The club is fed up with Rafa’s performances and behavior: getting the 170 million euros stipulated in the contract clause is out of the question, but 80 million would suffice. Nusa, a 20-year-old from Leipzig who has already torn apart the Italian national team’s defense while playing for Norway, is in their sights
The new Leao is a forward who sacrifices himself in a role not his own and takes the field even when not in peak condition: the team comes first. Rafa has given up the open space he used to find on the left wing to seek out a few extra inches of room in the box. He is no longer a full-speed winger, but a center forward who can go slow or fast—the important thing is that he arrives on time to make contact with the ball. In Allegri’s initial plans, he and Pulisic were supposed to capitalize on quick counterattacks and deny the opposing defenders any reference points: the reality proved more complex, so much so that Pulisic seems to have run out of goals already by the end of December. Rafa hasn’t scored in two games, and at Lazio’s home stadium he took another step backward: not even a single attempt.
That was the source of Leao’s frustration at the Olimpico, where he walked off the field slowly (much to the anger of sporting director Tare in the stands) and in a very dark mood. He even brushed off Maignan’s conciliatory attempt and Max’s embrace: the scene wasn’t much to speak of, but the positive aspect is that Rafa wanted to stay on the field in an effort to finally help the team. That’s why there was no fine or official reprimand from the club: fines aren’t imposed on players who leave the field angry about the result and for failing to make a contribution.
Premier League and Saudi Arabia— Which, in terms of goals, he hasn’t scored since his brace against Cremonese. Leao has nine league goals so far: too few to be the team’s star and the highest-paid player on the roster. Much more would be needed: Allegri is unlikely to change the formation for Rafa’s sake, insisting instead on two central strikers. For this reason, and given an overall assessment of Leao’s Rossoneri career—crucial in the 2022 Scudetto run and much less so since—the club will consider any incoming offers for the Portuguese player. The hypothetical contract extension through June 2030 does not rule out this possibility; quite the contrary. The real question is who could afford a major deal for a player who is not currently among the top performers in his position: Leao has a €170 million buyout clause, a figure far removed from his current market value, and he would in fact be up for negotiation for much less. Perhaps around €80 million: potential interest from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia. His salary is 5.5 million plus bonuses. Giovanni Branchini, Massimiliano Allegri’s agent, spoke on the matter yesterday on ‘Radio Anch’io Sport.’ He said: “The club’s dynamics are complex: Leao is an asset to the club, so various factors must be considered. This year he isn’t making a huge contribution; that’s clear to everyone. He remains an important player and must be defended to the end, as Allegri did in his post-match comments on Sunday, despite the abrupt ending to his substitution.” Any offer will, however, need to be commensurate with the situation and with a striker who, between a golden period and too many slumps, has still scored eighty goals (with only two penalties) in 284 Rossoneri matches.
One to watch— Any alternatives? Here’s a profile: twenty years old, largely untapped potential, and an (soon-to-be?) affordable price tag. Italians will associate the name Antonio Nusa with the matches in which, playing for Norway, he literally tore the Italian defense to shreds. With Leipzig, he has three goals in 27 games: the Germans are currently fifth in the Bundesliga, out of Champions League contention. Failing to qualify for Europe’s top competition could convince the Red Bull-owned club to part with their gem. Value: around 35 million. Milan is keeping an eye on the situation.
