Agree the deal right away – Club told to snap Manchester United’s hand off for transfer

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao finally seems to be heading out and a swap deal with Manchester United is being encouraged.

Sport Witness have covered the Red Devils’ initial contact for the Portugal international. Jorge Mendes is believed to be helping the Rossoneri find suitors for the attacker, who has faced problems this season.

He has only nine goals and his relationship with Max Allegri appears broken. Leao has also come across fitness problems that have regularly held back his performances.

There have been strong suggestions that Manchester United could offer Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal.

Former Milan manager Fabio Capello has now backed this deal.

Zirkzee can help the Rossoneri

Fabio Capello spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about Leao and he appeared happy to see the attacker depart. The Italian expressed belief Zirkzee will act as a very viable replacement too.

Capello said: “If I were Milan, I’d make the swap immediately. I’d see the Dutchman as a much better fit in Max’s 3-5-2. Zirkzee is someone who gets the team playing and is very good at communicating with his teammates.”

Capello believes Zirkzee will combine  well with Christian Pulisic.

“For me, the Zirkzee-Pulisic partnership would be brilliant. If Sorloth and either Gimenez or Nkunku were alternatives, one could say the attack is in good shape.”

Deal too early to call

AC Milan appear keen to part with Leao. There have been murmurs of discontent about his general attitude and behaviour, which should be quite concerning to Manchester United too.

There is no doubt about Leao’s quality and he can change games almost at will, but there has to wider considerations.

Mendes has an excellent relationship with both the clubs involved in this case. That is why it makes sense for Manchester United to be constantly mentioned. It will also help Milan raise Leao’s profile, which has obviously declined in 2026.