The Lion arrives at Galatasaray for $52 million

Rafael Leão set foot in Istanbul this Saturday, officially completing his move to Galatasaray from AC Milan. According to ESPN FC, the Turkish club paid a €45 million fee, roughly $52 million, to secure the services of the Portugal international. He has signed a four-year contract with the Cimbom. Aston Villa had also expressed interest in the player, but negotiations between the two clubs and Milan failed to reach an agreement, ESPN’s Bruno Andrade revealed. The player, who was absent for Milan’s 2-0 Serie A victory over Venezia on Friday, leaves Lombardy after seven seasons in the Rossoneri shirt.

 

A failed move to the Premier League

Leão had been keen on joining the Premier League, with Aston Villa at the top of his preferred destinations. However, despite his clear interest in the English club, Milan and Villa could not agree on financial compensation. As a result, the 27-year-old Portugal international will swap the AC Milan jersey for that of Galatasaray, where he will wear the number 11. His departure from San Siro marks the end of an adventure that began in 2019 following his transfer from Lille. In his time with Milan, he made 291 appearances across all competitions, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists. His trophy cabinet already includes the 2021-22 Serie A title and the 2024-25 Italian Super Cup. At Istanbul Airport Atatürk, where a crowd of supporters had gathered to catch a glimpse of their new signing, Leão expressed his excitement: “I am very grateful to the Galatasaray supporters for coming. Since June, the president and vice-president have done everything to make this happen. I am very excited right now. I can’t wait to play my first matches. Victor Osimhen and I are already very good friends. I think we can achieve great things together, whether in the league or in the Champions League.”

A promising duo with Osimhen in the Champions League

Galatasaray is banking on Leão to bolster its attack alongside Victor Osimhen. Nigeria, already well-established in the Istanbul squad, forms a duo with Portugal that could sparkle in the Süper Lig and the UEFA Champions League. The Turkish club, which has already made headline-grabbing transfers this season, is keen to capitalize on the experience and talent of its new recruits to aim for European heights. Leão, accustomed to big occasions, has also spoken about his motivation to shine on the continental stage alongside his compatriot. His arrival fits into the club's offensive dynamic, which is relying on attacking profiles to compensate for the departures of key players. The Portuguese international, whose technical and athletic profile is widely praised, is expected to quickly establish himself as a central figure in the team. Turkish supporters, delighted by this masterstroke, are now eagerly awaiting to see him take the field in the club's iconic yellow and red colors.