Ruben Amorim Confirms Rafael Leão Transfer Exit After 291 Milan Games

Coach Ruben Amorim has placed Rafael Leão on the transfer list, omitting the 27-year-old from the squad for Friday's Serie A fixture against Venezia.

AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed during a Thursday news conference that Rafael Leão is free to leave the club during the current transfer window. The 27-year-old Portuguese forward has been officially placed on the Rossoneri transfer list and was excluded from the squad selection for Friday’s Serie A match against Venezia. This decision follows Milan’s league opener on August 23, where the team secured a 2-1 victory over Torino while Leão was absent from the lineup.

Leão, who arrived at the San Siro from Lille in 2019, has compiled a statistical record of 80 goals and 61 assists across 291 total appearances for the Italian side. During his seven-season tenure, he played a pivotal role in securing the 2021-22 Serie A title. Despite being under contract with Milan until June 2028, the forward recently expressed a desire for a new challenge in a different league, stating he had already given his all to the club before joining Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Amorim Addresses Mindset and Market Links

Ruben Amorim detailed the reasoning behind the potential departure, noting that while Leão is an excellent footballer capable of playing for any team in the world, the current situation necessitates a move. The coach emphasized that a specific mindset is required to remain with the squad, concluding that it is better for the player to move on at this stage. Reports currently link the attacker to interest from Premier League side Aston Villa and Turkish club Galatasaray.

Leão returned to team training earlier this week following his absence from the season-opening win against Torino. His comments to Sport TV earlier this summer highlighted his gratitude for the club's support during difficult periods of his career, yet he maintained that his cycle at Milan has reached its natural conclusion. The forward's departure would mark the end of a stint that began five years ago and saw him evolve into a cornerstone of the Rossoneri attack.

Roster Changes and Milan Transfer Activity

As the transfer deadline approaches, Milan is managing multiple roster adjustments beyond the Leão situation. The club recently saw France forward Christopher Nkunku depart, rejoining RB Leipzig on a loan agreement. Leão remains one of ten players identified as potential movers before the current window officially closes.

Amorim’s public stance marks a definitive shift in the player's status, moving him from a primary starter to a transfer-listed asset. The Portuguese international's history at the club includes significant growth since his 2019 arrival, but the management has now prioritized finding a resolution that involves his exit. With the Venezia game looming on Friday, the squad will proceed without their long-standing number 10 as negotiations with interested suitors like Aston Villa continue behind the scenes.

Statistical Legacy at San Siro

Leão leaves a significant statistical footprint at Milan if a deal is finalized. His 141 direct goal contributions (80 goals and 61 assists) were accumulated over nearly 300 matches. The 2021-22 Scudetto remains the pinnacle of his time in Italy, a period during which he became a regular fixture in the Portuguese national team setup. Despite his return to the training ground this week, his omission from the upcoming Serie A matchday squad signals that his 291st appearance may have been his last for the club.