GdS: What Leao told Ibrahimovic about Milan future as new coach could change everything

Europa League prize money may not be enough for AC Milan’s financial security without some player trading. Rafael Leao’s market value has fallen, but he remains useful as a trading chip. Leao’s seven-year spell at the club is viewed as reaching an end, influenced by long-lasting physical problems and a season that suggests a transition. Under Massimiliano Allegri, the 3-5-2 system limited Leao’s strengths, making separation likely. After Milan’s loss to Cagliari and Allegri’s sacking, new possibilities emerge. Owners’ new guidelines point toward aggressive football, a possible return to a four-man defense, and an attack that relies on wingers. A future coach who values Leao’s fit could request he not be sold, while Leao reflects on his next steps.

"La Gazzetta dello Sport report that the prize money from the Europa League won't be enough to guarantee the club's financial security for Milan without resorting to at least a bit of player trading. From this perspective, Leao - even though his value has practically halved - is a useful trading chip."

"Milan feel this way because the Portuguese's season proves he has reached the end of an era at the club, even though he was burdened by obvious and long-lasting physical problems. It is a situation that can be natural, especially when you've been together for seven years."

"This was the way everything was going had Massimiliano Allegri remained in charge. He persisted with the 3-5-2 that clearly limited some of what Leao would consider to be his big strengths, so if the coach stayed then a summer separation would have been almost certain."

"Now, two scenarios open up. The first is from the player's perspective, who certainly hasn't been displeased with the new guidelines issued by the owners in recent turbulent days: aggressive football, perhaps a return to a four-man defence, and an attack that also relies on the wingers. The second angle of observation is that of the future coach, whoever that may be."

Read at SempreMilan