AC Milan: Leao, if not now, then when?

16/10/2025 20:27:00 soccer

Once an indispensable star and the main offensive strength of Milan, Rafael Leao is now struggling to regain his place. The match against Fiorentina this weekend serves as a vital examination for the Portuguese forward.

Two clear-cut chances missed in the 0-0 draw with Juventus turned Leao into the focal point of criticism. Coach Max Allegri was furious, shouting from the sidelines and delivering severe rebukes in the dressing room in front of the team. Italian media described in detail the moment Allegri slammed his hand on his head and shouted after Leao missed the chance created by Modric. The club later publicly backed the coach, signaling that their patience with Leao is wearing thin.

Not even better than Gimenez

Milan is being revived under Allegri thanks to three key players: Luka Modric as the team’s heart, Adrien Rabiot as the midfield engine, and Christian Pulisic carrying the goal-scoring duties. Without Leao, who has been injured most of the time and disappointing upon return, Milan’s progress has stalled. Had he scored on even one of the two chances set up by teammates against Juventus, Milan might have taken a significant step toward the Scudetto.

Even overshadowed by Pulisic, Leao currently cannot compete with Santiago Gimenez, who has yet to score in Serie A this season despite starting all six matches. Although Santi misses chances and his finishing lacks sharpness, Allegri still trusts him to start. The reason is simple: he brings what Allegri demands but Leao lacks. The Mexican striker works tirelessly, presses actively, drags defenders, and consistently contributes to the team’s overall play. He is the type of forward who sacrifices for the collective. Even when substituted off against Juventus, Gimenez received applause from fans as recognition.

In contrast, Leao is criticized for a careless attitude, reluctance to move, and lacking the aggression needed from an attacker. He seems unwilling to put in effort. Amid Allegri's effort to build a pragmatic, efficient Milan based on collective work, Leao’s style appears out of place. His inconsistency—sometimes brilliant, other times invisible—has been a persistent issue for years.

Leao must fight to regain Allegri’s trust

If not now, then when?

The "FIFA virus" has deprived Milan of two key attackers who have been in good form this season: Pulisic (hamstring injury) and Alexis Saelemaekers (groin injury). Both were injured while on national duty and are unlikely to recover in time for Sunday’s match against Fiorentina. Gimenez’s fitness is also uncertain, as the striker returned to Milan very late after a long flight from Mexico.

This is the moment Milan needs Leao more than ever, but it comes with immense pressure and expectations. For the first time in years, competition in Milan’s attack has become truly fierce for Leao personally. He can no longer rely on star privileges. He must fight to secure his place, competing not only with Gimenez but also newcomer Christopher Nkunku, who recently scored for France and is proving to be regaining his best form.

Leao seems aware of his situation. The Portuguese national team allowed him to return to Milanello earlier than planned to manage his condition, giving him valuable extra time. Instead of resting, he was seen training alone diligently on the pitch, showing commendable determination and professionalism. He is entering the "race to reclaim a starting spot," knowing he must prove he has learned from the lesson in Turin.

There is no other choice; Leao must save himself from the risk of being left out of Allegri’s plans and the possibility of leaving soon if he continues to underperform. His performances in the upcoming period, especially against Fiorentina, will determine whether Milan still needs him. The club has shown full support for Allegri’s tough management style, believing he is the only one who can help Leao fully mature, but the outcome depends on the Portuguese player himself.

Milan searching for Maignan’s replacement

According to Italian media, the chances of Milan extending goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s contract are very slim. It is almost certain the French international will leave on a free transfer after the 2025-26 season. The club has already started seeking a new goalkeeper, having assessed that 20-year-old Lorenzo Torriani is not yet reliable enough for the number one role.

At the top of the list are two players: Zion Sukuzi from Parma and Noah Atubolu from Freiburg, both born in 2002 and sharing African heritage. Sukuzi is a Japanese international, but his father is Ghanaian, while Atubolu holds German nationality, but his parents are Nigerian. Both are highly rated professionally, especially Atubolu, who is excellent at saving penalties (he has stopped the last five penalties). Their expected transfer fees range between 15 and 20 million euros, a sum Milan is willing to pay.

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