Rafael Leao to Bayern Munich? Why Club Legend’s ‘Leroy Sane 2.0’ Warning Sparks Debate

Bayern Munich warned against signing Rafael Leao amid Bundesliga champions’ interest in Portugal winger

As Bayern Munich look to reshape their forward line in the post-Leroy Sane era, one name continues to surface in the rumour mill: Rafael Leao. The Portugal international, currently with AC Milan, has been heavily linked with a potential switch to the Bundesliga champions — and reports from Germany suggest talks have already taken place. But not everyone in Bavaria is convinced.

Former Bayern and Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has issued a strong caution, labelling Leao “Leroy Sane 2.0” and insisting that the 26-year-old would be a mistake for the club. The remarks, sharp and unapologetic, have sparked fresh debate about whether Leao is truly the answer to Bayern’s attacking puzzle — or just another mercurial winger whose talent can’t consistently be translated into elite-level performances.

Bayern Munich’s Leao pursuit: More than just speculation

Bayern Munich’s Leao pursuit

According to reports from Sport Bild, Bayern have made their interest in Rafael Leao concrete. Sporting director Max Eberl is believed to have contacted the Portuguese winger directly after a quiet meeting with his representatives in Munich at the end of May. The Bavarians, spurned in their efforts to lure Florian Wirtz — who is now Liverpool-bound — have turned their attention to other creative forces, and Leao ticks many of the right boxes on paper.

With Leroy Sane having completed a surprise move to Galatasaray, Bayern are in urgent need of someone who can offer flair, pace, and unpredictability in wide areas. Leao, who has all the attributes of a modern winger — strength, speed, and the ability to operate as a second striker — naturally fits that mould.

However, there is an undercurrent of hesitation, even within the club’s hierarchy.

Leao’s inconsistencies raise red flags

But is Leao

Despite boasting a respectable stat line last season — 12 goals and 13 assists across 50 appearances for AC Milan — Leao’s campaign was far from dominant. He was not always a guaranteed starter under Stefano Pioli and frequently appeared off the bench, especially in high-stakes matches. During Portugal’s Nations League triumph, he also took on more of a peripheral role.

That lack of consistency is exactly what concerns critics like Babbel. “I hope Bayern Munich doesn’t sign Rafael Leao, because he’s Leroy Sane 2.0,” the former defender told German media outlet Sport Wetten Ohne Verifizierung. “You never see him play two good games in a row. That’s why I’m always surprised when his name comes up in the transfer window and he’s linked with a move to Bayern.”

It’s not the first time Leao has been accused of blowing hot and cold. While he can be electric on his day, his tendency to drift out of games — or entire stretches of a season — has frustrated fans and coaches alike.

But is Leao’s ceiling worth the risk?

While Babbel’s comments have gained attention, not everyone agrees with his bleak assessment. Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus, for example, holds a more optimistic view. Writing in his Sky Germany column, Matthäus described Leao as a player with “dynamism and versatility,” capable of playing both wide and centrally.

“Yes, he is not the easiest character,” Matthäus conceded, “but every artist has their quirks. He brings something special. That’s what Bayern need.”

The divide between sceptics and believers in Leao reflects the broader debate in football about what clubs should prioritise — proven consistency or raw, unfiltered talent with match-winning potential.

More options on the table: Barcola & Nico Williams

Bayern’s pursuit of wide talent doesn’t end with Leao. PSG winger Bradley Barcola and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams are also on their shortlist. However, both come with their own complications.

Barcola, who reportedly switched agents and will soon be represented by former midfielder Moussa Sissoko — a figure Eberl knows well — is highly rated in Paris. But PSG have made it clear they have no intention of selling, especially after seeing the player’s growth over the last 12 months.

Williams, meanwhile, is understood to favour a move to Barcelona, with wage demands that exceed what Bayern are currently willing to offer. Despite being one of La Liga’s most exciting prospects, his stance has made him an unlikely arrival in Bavaria.

All of which circles Bayern back to Leao, whose situation — both contractual and sporting — makes him a more feasible short-term target.

A potential swap deal with Barcelona?

Adding a further twist to the story, rumours have begun circulating of a potential swap deal between Milan and Barcelona involving Leao and centre-back Ronald Araujo. Such a deal would be complex, given the value and roles of both players within their current clubs, but it’s not entirely implausible.

Barcelona remain admirers of Leao and could be willing to negotiate if they believe Araujo’s departure could help ease their wage burden and bring in a much-needed attacker. Milan, meanwhile, would benefit from reinforcing their defence — especially if they are resigned to losing Leao sooner rather than later.

Should this scenario materialise, it would effectively remove Bayern from the conversation, leaving them to focus on alternatives like Barcola — or even revisit long-forgotten targets like Joao Felix or Rayan Cherki.

Leao vs Sane: A fair comparison?

It’s understandable why Babbel draws a parallel between Leao and Sane. Both are left-footed, explosive wide players capable of brilliance but occasionally accused of lacking killer instinct and consistency. Both have also faced questions over their defensive work rate — a trait that doesn’t always sit well in Bayern’s high-intensity system.

But to label Leao as merely “Sane 2.0” might be reductive. While Sane has been criticised for drifting in and out of form during his Bayern spell, he has also enjoyed patches of brilliance — especially in the Champions League. The same could be said of Leao, who was a driving force in Milan’s run to the Serie A title in 2022.

It may come down to what Bayern value more: the artistry and upside that Leao offers, or the structural discipline and tactical obedience that the club often demands of its wingers.

Final word: Risk or reward?

Ultimately, Bayern Munich are approaching a crossroads in their summer recruitment strategy. With several wide options on the table and uncertainty looming over key players like Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, they must decide not just who fits their system — but who aligns with the club’s culture and expectations.

Rafael Leao is undeniably gifted. But the question that Bayern must now wrestle with is whether that gift comes with too many strings attached. A “Leroy Sane 2.0” or a future Ballon d’Or candidate in waiting?

Either way, if the Bavarians do make their move, it won’t be without drama — and it certainly won’t be without debate.