Why Manchester City want Rafael Leao and are willing to pay £22.5m for the Sporting Lisbon starlet who only made his debut on Sunday
Almost 15 years after Cristiano Ronaldo left for the Premier League, Rafael Leao could follow in his footsteps
A PACY, prolific forward out of Sporting’s youth setup – sound familiar?
Almost 15 years after Cristiano Ronaldo left for the Premier League, Rafael Leao could follow in his footsteps.
With the January transfer window closed, teams across Europe are turning towards summer business, looking for talent to improve their squads.
Due to the ever-increasing price of ready-made superstars, teams are turning their attention to picking up the best young talent across Europe instead.
Leao is the latest starlet to have big clubs scrambling for his signature.
Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase for the 18-year-old, but they will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United this summer.
With that in mind, we asked our friends at what all the fuss is about.
Who is Rafael Leao?
He might only have made his senior debut for Sporting on Sunday, but Leao has already made a big impression this season by bagging 12 goals in just 19 appearances.
Although his outings have mostly come playing for the youth and reserve sides, he was finally handed his league debut against Feirense in February, getting 21 minutes after replacing former Fulham winger Bryan Ruiz.
His numbers have attracted scouts from all of Europe’s top clubs, all looking to get a glimpse of the forward’s ability. It’s safe to say the vultures are circling the Portuguese club.
Primarily playing as a centre-forward, though capable of playing on the left, he has seven goals in 12 games for Sporting's B team and six in 11 with the Under-19s.
Leao was handed his first cap for Portugal’s Under-21 side against Romania in November. If his form continues and he picks up more minutes in the first-team, he could be a surprise inclusion in the Euro 2016 winners’ World Cup squad.
Instantly recognisable thanks to his powerful frame, Leao has the physique to out-muscle defenders. But he combines that raw strength with good pace to get in behind and provide a threat over the top.
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Through his goals he has demonstrated an ability to get into the penalty area and finish from close range.
Just as deadly with his left or his right-foot, he regularly shows he can be both a poacher and a dribbler rolled into one.
Although he has yet to establish himself in Jorge Jesus’ senior side, it’s easy to see why he’s catching the eye and getting scouts across Europe hot under the collar.
How much would Rafael Leao cost?
Sporting clearly knew they had a special talent on their hands so, in October, they tied the forward down to a new contract which runs until 2022.
The Portuguese giants also have a two-year-option attached. This is why Manchester City are reportedly prepared to pay as much as £22.25million for the teenager.
It sounds like a lot of money for a player with so little experience, but the Citizens are paying for potential. If he becomes the player he is expected to that fee will prove to be a snip.
Where is his most likely destination?
City have experience buying from Portugal in the past; from first-teamers like Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala to youngster Rony Lopes.
But Chelsea and especially and Manchester United will also see an opportunity to strike and the opportunity to play for countryman Jose Mourinho could be a big factor.
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The biggest pull, though, will be regular exposure to first-team action – something none of the Premier League trio truly provide.
The real winners will be Sporting. If Leao does half as well as Ronaldo did after leaving the Lions he will be a star.