Igli Tare Discusses Rafael Leao’s Focus Shift and Liverpool’s Gomez Deal Withdrawal
Former AC Milan director Igli Tare shared insights into Rafael Leao’s recent decision to join Galatasaray, revealing that “football was no longer a priority” for the player. Tare also discussed Liverpool’s last-minute withdrawal from a deal for defender Joe Gomez.
Tare was at the club for the 2025/26 campaign, but was dismissed along with coach Max Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and director Geoffrey Moncada in May due to the team’s inability to qualify for the Champions League.
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Leao’s departure had become increasingly likely as he had a contract set to expire in June 2028, with the club unwilling to extend it under his current salary.
Tare on Leao and missed Gomez opportunity
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Igli Tare of AC Milan looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Initially, my impression of Leao was that he was an extraordinary individual,” Tare told the Sky Sport Italia Calcio Unplugged podcast.
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Tare noted that he developed a strong rapport with Leao, describing him as a player the club expected more from, while emphasizing that football seemed to have taken a backseat in Leao’s life. “I think he was more focused on his life outside of football, engaging in music, fashion, and similar pursuits. Although he genuinely loved Milan, it was evident that he struggled with consistent performance due to various fitness issues.”
“I made it a point to have more individual meetings with him than with any other Milan player. Each time, I sensed he wanted to achieve more, but sometimes, desire alone isn’t enough.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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AC Milan eventually found a buyer for Leao, finalizing a transfer to Galatasaray late in the transfer window, raising questions about whether he could have been sold earlier in 2025. Tare stated, “No concrete offers ever arrived for him.”
In addition, Tare reflected on the tumultuous summer transfer strategy of 2025, which unfolded when coach Max Allegri prompted a change in tactics close to the transfer window’s conclusion. “We faced challenges because we opted to shift our formation just five days before the transfer window closed,” Tare explained.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Joe Gomez of Liverpool FC competes for the ball with Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Tare noted the difficulties in adapting to a new style of play during the final phase of the transfer window, which complicated the search for suitable players. “Transitioning from a 4-3-3 to a three-man defensive setup made it challenging to find talent of that caliber within just five days,” he added. He also mentioned that Milan missed out on Manuel Akanji, who joined Inter due to Milan’s absence from the Champions League, and revealed his disappointment regarding the Gomez situation. “We had an agreement with Liverpool for Joe Gomez, but when Marc Guehi’s transfer from Crystal Palace to Liverpool fell through, Liverpool pulled out. We had been waiting for that transfer to finalize our paperwork. To ensure we had enough center-backs, we signed Odogu at the last minute as a future investment.”
