Rafael Leao (Getty Images)
As per Football Insider (h/t The Express), Leeds United are planning to make a move for AC Milan youngster Rafael Leao ahead of the new season. The report suggests that the Whites are willing to hand the 21-year-old regular game time as he would struggle to feature regularly at Milan due to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new contract extension at San Siro.
Born in Portugal, Leao spent time at the academies of Amora and Foot 21 before joining Sporting CP’s youth system. He excelled with the Portuguese giants’ youth teams before making his senior bow in the 2017/18 season. He was also a part of the squad which won the Portuguese league cup title that season.
He was then sent on loan to French side Lille in the 2018/19 season, where he excelled with 8 goals in 24 league games before joining AC Milan permanently last summer. The youngster didn’t start regularly but he managed to make 33 appearances last season, out of which he made just 12 starts and scored 6 goals.
He has also represented Portugal at various age-groups from U16 to U21. He also played a key role in winning the U17 European Championship in 2016.
Marcelo Bielsa has managed to bring in a few new faces to the squad as the Whites prepare for life in the top-flight after a 16-year absence. However, they need to bring in a few more reinforcements with the future in mind.
At the moment, Patrick Bamford is the only recognized striker available at the manager’s disposal. The Englishman scored 16 goals in their Championship-winning campaign and ended as the club’s top scorer. However, he hasn’t had any competition for the spot.
Tyler Roberts did well towards the end of the season but he seems to be comfortable while operating as an attacking midfielder. Apart from them, Jay-Roy Grot and new signing Joe Gelhardt are the only two options available but both of them are inexperienced. Thus, they should consider bringing in new faces to their attacking unit and bolster their squad depth.
In that regard, Leao would be a useful addition for the future, who can also compete for the centre-forward spot with Bamford straightaway. Despite featuring for fewer minutes, the Portuguese youngster has shown potential. With regular game time, he can go on to establish himself.
He is just 21 and still has a lot of room for development. Leao’s inclusion would also add depth to the squad. If he is able to continue with the fine form, he could provide them with some much-needed quality in the long run. He has also got some experience at the top level and that would help him.
With limited quality up front, it is clear that Leeds are in dire need of strikers to compete with Bamford. Leao has already proved to be handy for Milan and could be a crucial player in the upcoming seasons for the Whites if he is able to develop himself under someone like Bielsa. Thus, investing in the youngster would be a smart move by the Yorkshire outfit.
