Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the signing of Rafael Leão from AC Milan in a deal worth €75 million. The highly-anticipated move is expected to take place at the end of the current season, with Leão making the switch to Stamford Bridge after weeks of speculation and negotiations.
The Portuguese winger has long been a target for Chelsea, who have been actively seeking a new left winger to bolster their attacking options. Barcelona also expressed interest in Leão, but the 24-year-old appears to have set his sights on a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea emerging as his preferred destination over other English heavyweights like Liverpool and Manchester United.
The deal was finalized after extensive work from superagent Jorge Mendes, who has been reportedly working on securing Leão’s transfer for several months. Chelsea and Milan have now reached an agreement on the €75 million fee, making Leão the latest additions to Enzo Marescca Chelsea squad.
Leão’s statistics this season have been impressive, with the forward making 27 appearances for Milan, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists. His performances have helped Milan in their Serie A campaign, and his direct contributions to the team are expected to bring added dynamism to Chelsea’s attacking setup. In addition to his goal tally, Leão has maintained discipline, with only three yellow cards to his name and no red cards.
Head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed his delight at the signing, praising Leão’s skillset and versatility. In a statement, Maresca said, “Rafael is a player we’ve had our eye on for a long time. His talent, pace, and creativity are exactly what we need in our attacking lineup. We are confident he will settle in well here in London and make a significant impact for the team once he’s fully integrated.”
Leão, who will join the squad at the conclusion of the season, is expected to become an integral part of Chelsea’s attacking strategy. With his ability to play on both wings, he offers versatility and an added attacking threat for the Blues, who are eager to continue their rebuilding process under Maresca’s guidance.
As Chelsea secures this major signing, all eyes will now be on Leão’s transition to the Premier League, where he will look to continue his development and help Chelsea challenge for top honors domestically and in Europe.
