The 20-year-old’s agent confirmed this month that Leonardo would be going all-out in hopes of sealing a winter move to Europe, with the likes of United, Arsenal and Newcastle United all keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
Leonardo was primed to leave Santos last summer but promised to stay, see out the campaign and help secure a respectable finish in the league. Now that he is looking to take his talents elsewhere, the Brazilian club have rewarded his commitment by lowering his release clause from €100 million to just €18m to ensure he gets the move his heart desires.
Such information has been circulating in Brazil and relayed by Jorge Nicola, who adds that Leonardo had made a deal with Santos’ president Andres Rueda to warrant his impending departure.
