AC Milan star Rafael Leao signs new five-year contract extension

Rafael Leao has agreed an extension with AC Milan that will keep him at San Siro until 2028.

The 23-year-old’s previous deal, after joining from Lille in 2018, was due to run next summer leading to fears the exciting winger could depart this transfer window if an deal could not be reached.

Leao has put pen to paper on a five-year extension that, if fulfilled, could mark a decade with the Italian giants.

A club statement read: ‘AC Milan is pleased to announce that Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão has renewed his contract with the Club until 30 June 2028.

‘Since joining in the summer of 2019, Rafa boasts 162 appearances, 41 goals and 29 assists for the Rossoneri, and was named “Best Player in Serie A” last season. AC Milan and Rafael continue their journey together.

The Portuguese is set to take home around £4.3m per year with a £1.7m coming from add-ons and an undisclosed signing on fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The extension is also said to include a whopping £175m release clause which is certain to deter plenty of clubs around Europe.

Leao has an impressive record of 14 goals and 15 assists from 47 appearances for the Rossoneri this season as they secured a top-four finish and reached the Champions League final.

Unfortunately, an adductor injury kept him out of the first leg Milan derby clash with Inter and Leao struggled on as his team lost 3-0 on aggregate to their bitter rivals.

The club will now turn it’s attention to incomings this summer with on-loan Arsenal man Folarin Balogun reported to be on the radar of the Italian side.