AC Milan face a critical summer of change this year, and Rafael Leao’s future could be a pivotal piece in how we rebuild under a new coach.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Rossoneri management have already made their decision to replace Stefano Pioli, and his successor will be appointed once the current campaign has concluded.
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Both Simon Kjaer and Olivier Giroud will depart too when their deals expire, and so a new era will be ushered in as coaching staff changes will be made and senior figures within the squad will move on.
In turn, it’s fundamental that the Milan hierarchy get their next few decisions right, as it will ultimately shape the direction in which we go next season and potentially beyond.
That starts with making the best appointment as coach, and further, backing that candidate to build and mould the squad into his own to suit his ideas, structure and style of play to get the most out of the group and have the best possible opportunity to be a success.
As per Sky Sport Italia, it’s suggested that there might be a lack of clarity over where Leao fits into all this, as the Portuguese international is seemingly between being the face and focal point of this new era and leaving the club.
It’s fair to say that he’s had an underwhelming campaign this year when you consider his talent, his contribution in the previous season and the important role that he has in this side to be our talismanic leader in the final third.
With 13 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, Leao has drawn the ire of the San Siro faithful in recent weeks due to his perceived lack of effort and commitment beyond not being able to be decisive in front of goal, and so that arguably plays a big part in the doubts that are being touted in the reports like the one above.
Having signed a contract renewal last year that keeps him with us until 2028 coupled with a significant release clause, and given how fundamental he is to us when he’s in form as he’s devastating when confident and on his game, there will be a strong argument in favour of making him the focal point of our future plans.
Further, with so much upheaval elsewhere, opting to sacrifice our leading talent to rebuild could create further chaos and inconsistency next season, and so it feels as though the eventual decision will be that Leao stays, and perhaps we move on a different big name if necessary.
That said, Leao has to step up and meet this new challenge head on and deliver. If we want to compete domestically and in Europe, he must be the one to lead our charge and set the standard week in and week out. We’ve not seen that this season, particularly in recent weeks, and that has arguably led to the doubts and questions being asked by some now.
Time will tell what Milan decide to do, but it promises to be a fascinating summer that will shape our future, one that is hopefully trophy laden and full of successes under new leadership and with fresh ideas, energy and personnel in the squad to support our leading figures.
