Liverpool are reportedly among several big clubs who are interested in signing AC Milan winger Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.
A new wide man is essential for the Reds at the end of the season, with Mohamed Salah leaving after a legendary nine-year spell at Anfield.
In fact, two wingers are arguably needed for Liverpool, due to Cody Gakpo’s struggles and the fact that Rio Ngumoha is still an extremely young player who is learning his game.
According to a new udpate from The Daily Mail, the Reds are among the clubs who are looking to “explore a move” for Leao, ahead of his possible exit from Milan when the season reaches its conclusion.
The £60m-rated Portugal international is also wanted by Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, and Milan are “open to offers for a number of their top players as they look to balance the books and work within financial guidelines.”
Can Rafael Leao be Liverpool’s next great winger?
Leao is a player with so much talent and attacking threat, with Massimiliano Allegri once saying he has “genius” in his game, and Luka Modric saying of him:
“Rafa is really amazing. I was looking forward to playing with him, unfortunately he got injured quickly, but now he’s getting back to fitness. This is the Rafa that we need. He’s an amazing talent, from outside when I used to watch him and now when I train with him, I see he is one of the best players in the world.”
At 26, Leao is a player potentially coming into his prime years, finding himself at the age Salah was during the height of the Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool in 2018/19, and he could be sensational for the Reds.
The Portuguese ace is more of a left-sided winger, however, so he wouldn’t be a direct Salah replacement, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande possibly the man to fill that void.
If Liverpool end up signing both this summer, depending on their transfer funds, it would inject so much pace into their attack, with Leao scoring 80 goals and registering 65 assists in 287 appearances for Milan.