Rafael Leao must fight for AC Milan place, says Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim says Rafael Leao must fight to secure his place in the AC Milan team, as uncertainty continues over the Portugal forward’s future at the club.

Leao has previously expressed a desire to leave AC Milan, while his representatives are exploring potential opportunities elsewhere. However, Amorim said the 27-year-old remains an important member of his squad, although he would have to compete for his position.

Asked about Leao’s availability for AC Milan’s opening match of the new season against Torino on Sunday, 23 August, Amorim said: “Leao’s situation ahead of the Torino match? I don’t think his injury is serious, but I don’t know whether he will be ready.”

On the player’s future, the AC Milan manager added: “His future? I don’t know, but Leao is one of our players. I have said before that we are happy to have him, because he is a valuable player. So we will see, but he has to fight.”

Leao has not featured for AC Milan in any pre-season match so far. He suffered a muscle injury after Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup had ended, leaving his fitness for the start of the season uncertain.

Galatasaray offer rejected

Italian website Tuttomercato reported that AC Milan rejected an offer from Galatasaray worth 30m euros, with a further 5m euros available in bonuses, for Leao.

The report said AC Milan are seeking a higher fee because the club believes Leao is worth more than the proposal made by Galatasaray. The Italian side is understood to be targeting between 50m and 60m euros before considering the player’s departure.

Leao’s agents are continuing to investigate the options available to him. Reports in England have claimed that they have put the Portugal international forward to several Premier League clubs to assess whether a transfer could be arranged.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United were among the clubs contacted, according to those reports. The approach has attracted attention because of the significant difference between the ambitions of Leeds United and those of the Portuguese player.

Leao has made 227 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 64 goals and providing 45 assists.

AC Milan finished last season in fifth place with 70 points. The club will begin its new campaign against Torino on Sunday, 23 August, with Leao’s fitness and his immediate future among the key issues surrounding the team.