- Rafael Leao has used an Instagram Story to push back against “speculation and stories that aren’t true” about his Milan future
- Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot have delayed their return from the post-World Cup vacation from the planned August 12 to August 16
- Al-Nassr have reportedly approached Mike Maignan
Leao Responds Publicly to Transfer Talk
Rafael Leao has made clear that he is unhappy with claims surrounding his future at Milan, stressing that only his family and lawyers are authorised to deal with his interests. The Portugal international addressed the situation through an Instagram Story, posting written comments alongside a picture of himself in training with the Rossoneri.
His message came after a period in which he had stated several times at the end of last season that he believed his spell at Milan had reached a natural end and that he was seeking a new challenge outside Serie A.
However, expected approaches from the Premier League and La Liga did not arrive. The only proposals referenced came from the Turkish Super Lig, through Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas. Those clubs were unable to meet Milan’s valuation of €50m plus €10m bonus, leaving Leao apparently unable to secure a move away from the club.
📰 @AntoVitiello – CorSport: The decision by Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot to extend their holidays until August 16, practically just one week before the start of the league season, is causing quite a stir.
From a contractual standpoint, the players are entitled to do so, as… pic.twitter.com/2aoozynMtr
— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) August 11, 2026
Leao wrote:
“My only thought is on the field: I am concentrated on giving my best, every single game and every single training session.
“Just to avoid any form of speculation and stories that aren’t true, I repeat that for some time I’ve assigned all my interests exclusively to my family and my lawyers.
“Nobody else is authorised to speak for me. My mind is on the next objectives.”
Milan’s Position on Leao Remains Firm
The situation is still unresolved. Milan reportedly have no intention of extending Leao’s contract beyond June 2028, but there remains time for a suitable buyer to emerge this summer. The Rossoneri, though, will not accept a loan deal that includes either an option or an obligation to make the transfer permanent.
Maignan’s Return Delay Adds Another Milan Issue
Mike Maignan has also become the subject of renewed attention. The goalkeeper delayed his return from vacation ahead of Milan pre-season training, while reports have pointed to fresh interest from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
Maignan had been prepared to leave last summer after receiving a major proposal from Chelsea, but Milan were not willing to release him. He was persuaded to remain by coach Max Allegri, director Igli Tare and goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi. All three were sacked in May after Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The goalkeeper is now contracted to Milan until June 2031, but is said to be frustrated with the direction being taken by the club. Both Maignan and Adrien Rabiot have put back their return from the post-World Cup vacation, moving it from the planned August 12 to August 16. The report noted that it is probably no coincidence that both players were very close to Allegri and did not appreciate the manner of his dismissal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have warned that Maignan has been approached by Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League side where Cristiano Ronaldo is currently playing. Maignan also wears the Milan captain’s armband and has been at San Siro since the summer of 2021, when he replaced Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Key Contract, Transfer and Timing Details
| Player | Contract detail | Reported situation | Interested clubs or proposals | Important timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Leao | Milan do not appear to intend extending his contract beyond June 2028 | He had said several times at the end of last season that his Milan cycle had reached a natural conclusion and that he wanted a fresh challenge away from Serie A | Premier League and LaLiga offers did not materialise; proposals came from Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas, but they could not reach €50m plus €10m bonus | There is still time to find a suitable buyer this summer, but Milan will not accept a loan with an option or obligation to buy |
| Mike Maignan | Under contract until June 2031 | Frustrated with the direction Milan are taking after Max Allegri, Igli Tare and Claudio Filippi were sacked in May following failure to qualify for the Champions League | Chelsea made a big proposal last summer; Al-Nassr have reportedly approached him | Maignan and Adrien Rabiot delayed their return from the post-World Cup vacation from the planned August 12 to August 16 |
