In a recent report, El Nacional mentioned that Newcastle United are among clubs hoping to land AC Milan star Rafael Leao. It has been claimed that the Magpies will have to rival Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to land the Portuguese sensation.
Leao’s Impressive Form In Italian Football This Season
Leao is having another productive campaign at San Siro after he put in a run of fruitful performances on the left side of Milan’s attack. The 23-year-old has found the back of the net on seven occasions and picked up nine assists in 20 matches for the Italian side this season across all fronts.
The 11-time Portugal international has been a consistent performer for the Milan giants on the attacking end of the field as he is averaging 3.6 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 79.4% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract with the Italian club is set to run out in the summer of 2024. Thus, the Magpies could potentially land him on a cut-price fee next year.
Is Leao A Dream Option For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?
Leao is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet and can make some penetrative runs out on the flanks. He is great when left isolated in a 1v1 situation with the opposition and has got the vision to create some inviting chances for his teammates in the final third. The Portugal international can even strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range. He usually plays as a left-sided wide player but can even fill in as a centre-forward if asked to do so.
We can Leao to add more goals and assists to Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe‘s attack. Plus, he will enhance the quality of the Tyneside club‘s starting XI considerably and might even help them become UEFA Champions League regulars in the coming seasons.
Therefore, the Magpies should focus on going all out to secure the services of Leao as he will be a dream option for Howe to pursue this winter or during the summer transfer window. At 23, he will only get better with each season and has what it takes to be a success story at St. James’ Park over the next decade.
