Cristiano Ronaldo‘s story with Portugal might soon be over, but there is one player who has the potential to live up to his legacy for the national team – Rafael Leao.
The 23-year-old forward is in the best form of his career after his starring role in helping AC Milan win the Scudetto last season – scoring 14 goals in all competitions. This season he has nine goals in 10 games – and after Ronaldo’s bid to win the World Cup came to a tearful end, Leao has the ability to step up and ease Portugal through a transition phase.
Portugal are in desperate need of new stars because their generational cycle of veteran players is about to come to an end. Leao is the obvious name to lead them forward – but to reach the level of Ronaldo, he will have to step away from the comfort zone of Serie A and and Italy, which risks becoming a prison for his ambitions.
Rafael Leao could be the Cristiano Ronaldo’s heir in the Portugal side – he has a bright future
Leao will have to find a club that allows him to the best of the best – not just in the best player in Serie A, which lacks star quality.
The Portuguese star has a tricky contract situation – with his deal expiring in 2024 and is yet to have it renewed. Club chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara are optimistic he will put pen to paper on fresh terms – as are manager Stefano Piolo and the player’s father.
Portuguese outlet Record have suggested there is a possibility Leao will sign an extension but the club are still waiting for his signature.
Ronaldo’s bid for the World Cup came to a tearful ending as his team were beaten by Morocco
THE CLOCK IS TIK-TOK-ING FOR LEAO
Leao continues to worry AC Milan with his advances towards the Premier League – after he appeared to follow Chelsea’s official TikTok account – before the follow disappeared almost immediately.
The gesture was notable in Italy and the fact he cancelled his follow actually made matters worse by suggesting he was covering up his admiration for Graham Potter’s outfit.
Losing Leao would be a huge blow for AC Milan – and it means the club would lose the image that they are an ambitious club looking to become one of the best in the world. For Paolo Maldini, it would be a big political defeat if Leao was sold.
It’s not until clubs can start speaking to Leao about a free transfer. This time next year, it will be approaching the point where he can sign a pre-contractual agreement ahead of his contract ending in June 2024.
If that happens, it…