Rafael Leao is expected to miss his side’s upcoming pre-season friendly against Manchester United this weekend through injury and there is also a concern that this could have an impact on the potential sale of the Portugal international this summer.
New Leao injury hands Milan multiple issues
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao has reported a muscular issue and is not expected to be involved in Milan’s upcoming pre-season test against Manchester United in Wroclaw, Poland.
The Manchester United match will be Milan’s final pre-season friendly of the summer before taking on Torino in their first Serie A match of the 2026-27 season on August 23. Leao is also at risk of missing out on the Toro clash according to Friday’s report.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Perhaps more concerning for Milan is the effect that this night have on the transfer market.
Leao had made it clear on several occasions after the 2025-26 season that he felt this would be the right time for him to leave Milan after seven seasons in San Siro. A departure has not yet materialised, and as things stand, the only concrete interest has come from Turkey, and not the Premier League or LaLiga as the player himself had hoped.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Galatasaray have shown the most interest in Leao, but even they are now exploring alternative options and have been discussing a potential deal for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli instead.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Galatasaray will make their final decision on the matter within the next seven-10 days.