Headline: Jorge Mendes Proposes Rafael Leao Transfer to Roma as Price Drops
According to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, Jorge Mendes, the agent of Rafael Leao, has put forth the idea of transferring the AC Milan outcast to AS Roma, following a reduction in the player’s asking price. The introduction of Diego Moreira into Milan’s lineup has played a part in this shift.
Leao and AC Milan both anticipated a sale this summer, but attracting a buyer for €50 million plus an additional €10 million in add-ons has proven challenging.
The only teams expressing legitimate interest in Leao have been Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Fenerbahce, with Galatasaray remaining the sole club currently engaged in negotiations.
In a surprising development, Tavolieri disclosed this evening that Mendes contacted the Friedkin family directly to suggest a move to Roma for Leao. This potential transfer could enable Leao to maintain his presence in the UEFA Champions League while playing under a coach who aligns better with his style.
Leao’s asking price has reportedly been adjusted to approximately €40 million, including add-ons. Mendes has also facilitated a deal that would see Diego Moreira move to Milan from RC Strasbourg for at least €50 million.
Moreira had previously been on Roma’s radar due to their positional similarities on the pitch, leading some to speculate that this could create a domino effect within the transfer market.
Despite having spent seven years at San Siro, Leao’s fans and the player himself might hesitate to switch to another Serie A club. Over the summer, he expressed that Serie A may not be as fitting for his talents compared to the Premier League or La Liga. However, with those leagues currently not pursuing him, a move to Roma might serve as the most favorable option.
Additionally, it appears that Roma would be willing to allocate a similar budget to sign Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyonnais.
According to Belgian transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, agent Jorge Mendes proposed Milan outcast Rafael Leao to Roma, now that the price tag has plummeted and Diego Moreira is coming in.
The player and club were both confident that he would be moving on this summer, but finding a buyer for €50m plus €10m add-ons has proved to be difficult, if not impossible.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures 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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The only genuine interest has come from Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce, and the first side are the only ones still in talks.
Roma solution for Leao?
DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 13: Rafael Leao of Portugal reacts after the team’s defeat during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Portugal at Aviva Stadium on November 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
However, transfer pundit Tavolieri reports this evening that agent Jorge Mendes has offered Leao to Serie A side Roma, reaching out directly to the Friedkin family.
It would be a remarkable twist in the tale, but one that could allow Leao to continue playing in the Champions League, and with a coach more suited to his style of football.
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The asking price was dropped to around €40m plus add-ons, and Mendes was again behind some manoeuvring that brings Diego Moreira to Milan from RC Strasbourg for at least €50m.
Moreira had been a target for Roma too, as they play in similar positions, so it’s entirely possible that the agent saw this as part of a domino effect on the transfer market.
Milan fans and even Leao might be reticent to switch to a different Italian club after seven years at San Siro, especially as he had declared over the summer that Serie A was less suited to him than the Premier League or LaLiga.
However, with none of those leagues knocking at his door, this might be the best solution for all concerned.
Similarly, Roma would be spending roughly the same amount to get Malick Fofana from Olympique Lyonnais.
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