Bayern cool on Leao as Williams chase heats up | OneFootball

Bayern Munich’s search for a new left winger has seen Rafael Leao of AC Milan emerge as a possible target, but conflicting reports from Germany and Italy have cast doubt on the likelihood of a move. According to various sources cited by Sky Sport Italia and BILD, Bayern’s approach to the Leao situation has shifted several times over recent weeks.

Initial rumors indicated that Bayern had made “intensive contact” with Leao’s camp and were considering a substantial bid. However, reports in the past few days suggest the Bundesliga club has cooled its interest, choosing instead to prioritize Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola as alternative options.

Despite the apparent cooling of interest, some outlets maintain that Bayern remain serious contenders and could submit an offer if their pursuit of Nico Williams falls through. Fee discussions have fluctuated widely, with suggestions that Milan may ask for €100 million, while other reports from Italy claim a deal could be struck for €70 million. There has also been mention of a proposal involving €75 million plus a player, with Leon Goretzka or Kingsley Coman floated as potential makeweights.

Leao is under contract at Milan until June 2028, following a recent extension that made him one of the club’s highest-paid players at €6.5 million per year. The 26-year-old winger is considered pivotal to Milan’s attack, but the club is reportedly under financial pressure after failing to qualify for European competition and may be more receptive to offers in the €50-60 million range.

From Bayern’s side, any serious move for Leao would require them to offload players to create space in their wage structure, with Coman and Leroy Sané among those who may depart or see their roles reduced. Max Eberl, Bayern’s sporting director, is said to be pursuing Nico Williams as the “dream” signing, though Barcola is also on the list of potential arrivals.

Concerns have emerged within the Bayern hierarchy regarding Leao’s style, work ethic, and profile, particularly his perceived lack of defensive contribution and issues around his public image. These doubts, in combination with the high cost and the need for outgoing transfers to balance the books, have complicated the pursuit.

No direct statements from Leao or Milan management have surfaced regarding Bayern’s interest, and sources agree that the current situation is fluid. Milan’s willingness to entertain a sale seems stronger than in previous windows due to their financial needs, but no formal bids have been reported.

The uncertainty is compounded by reported interest from Premier League clubs, making the potential for a Bayern-Leao deal even less predictable. Fan sentiment in Munich is mixed, with some supporters eager for the signing while others share the board’s concerns about Leao’s fit at the club.

With Bayern’s priorities still uncertain and Milan’s valuation yet to be met, the situation remains unresolved with no imminent breakthrough on the horizon.

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