Corriere dello Sport newspaper reported that Rafael Leao informed Al Hilal management of his refusal to move to its ranks during the current summer transfer period.
According to the report, Al Hilal was willing to pay 100 million euros to Milan in order to leave Leao, whose contract is still extended until the summer of 2027 and has a release clause worth 175 million euros.
The Saudi club management offered the Portuguese star an annual salary worth 20 million euros, nearly 3 times his current salary with Milan (7 million euros).
The first shock came from Milan, as the Italian club clearly announced that it does not intend to abandon Leao, and if he leaves, there is no way for him to leave except by paying the full value of the release clause.
As for the player himself, he clearly told Al Hilal officials that his priority is to continue with Milan and that he currently wants to remain within the continent of Europe despite the fantastic financial offer that was on his table.
The failure of Leao to join may be a prelude to moving towards signing Barcelona star Rafinha, as Spanish newspapers said that the Saudi club’s coach, Jorge Jesus, had already contacted the player to urge him to join the Blue Wave.
