Manchester United are on the brink of signing Rafael Leão from AC Milan for a cut-price £43m, sources close to both clubs confirm. The 26-year-old Portugal winger has become United’s primary transfer target this summer, with negotiations advancing rapidly after talks between the two clubs intensified last week.
United’s interest in Leão has intensified following a string of poor performances from their wide attacking options, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to prioritise a marquee signing. The deal, which includes add-ons, is expected to be finalised within days, pending personal terms and international clearance.
Key Points
- ✅ Manchester United agree £43m fee for Rafael Leão
- ⚡ AC Milan set to accept reduced valuation due to contract pressure
- 💡 Leão’s arrival would reunite him with former manager at Sporting CP
Parallel to United’s move, Chelsea have reached an agreement with French club Strasbourg to sign 21-year-old Argentine left-back Valentin Barco. The Blues, under new manager Bruno Saltor, are reshaping their squad after a disappointing season and see Barco as a long-term replacement for Marcos Alonso, who left in January.
| Club | Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | Rafael Leão | Winger | Agreed deal |
| Chelsea | Valentin Barco | Left-back | Agreed deal |
| Fenerbahce | Mason Greenwood | Striker | Targeted in mega deal |
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, are drawing up plans to sign Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood in a sweeping restructuring of their squad. Club presidential candidate Hakan Safi has earmarked Greenwood as the centrepiece of a £60m package designed to revive the Istanbul-based side’s fortunes. The 24-year-old England striker, currently training separately from United’s first team, remains under contract but has been made available for transfer.
📋 Transfer Watch
- Rafael Leão — AC Milan to Manchester United for £43m
- Valentin Barco — Strasbourg to Chelsea, undisclosed fee
- Mason Greenwood — Targeted by Fenerbahce in £60m package
Elsewhere, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is considering a surprise move to Juventus, despite the Serie A club’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Brazilian international, who spent his early career under Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti at Roma, is prepared to swap Premier League football for Turin if the Bianconeri can offer a competitive project and Champions League football in future seasons.
💡 Pro Tip
Clubs chasing mid-tier South American talents should move fast. With limited EU work permits and high domestic demand, brokers are prioritising deals before June 30 to avoid complications.
Leeds United are also active in the market, targeting Southampton’s 22-year-old midfielder Shea Charles. The Northern Ireland international was overlooked for promotion to the Premier League amid the club’s Spygate scandal, but now stands as a key target for Daniel Farke’s rebuilding project at Elland Road.
- 📊 Charles has featured 38 times for Southampton, averaging 78 minutes per game
- 🔍 Leeds see him as a long-term replacement for Kalvin Phillips
- ⚠️ Southampton have set a minimum £35m release clause
In defence, Barcelona are monitoring Jakub Kiwior, the 26-year-old Poland international centre-back at Porto. The Catalan giants, in desperate need of defensive stability, have scouted Kiwior extensively and are prepared to make an offer if their primary targets, including Jean-Clair Todibo, fall through. Kiwior’s €50m release clause remains a hurdle, but Barcelona view him as a long-term solution alongside Pau Cubarsí.
Key Watchlist
- ✅ Jakub Kiwior — Barcelona scouted centre-back at Porto
- ⚡ Shea Charles — Leeds target, £35m minimum
- 💡 Alisson Becker — Juventus-linked despite UCL absence
Brighton and Crystal Palace are among several clubs vying for Bayern Munich loanee Arijon Ibrahimovic, the 20-year-old German midfielder who impressed during his loan spell at 2. Bundesliga side Heidenheim. The teenager, tipped for a big future, has attracted interest across Europe, with Brighton believed to be the most advanced in their pursuit.
As the transfer window enters its final phase, the flurry of activity reflects the high stakes facing clubs across Europe. From shock departures to calculated rebuilds, the next 10 days will shape the landscape of the 2024/25 season before the domestic windows close.
