Rafael Leao chooses Galatasaray as €45m AC Milan agreement is reached

Rafael Leao is set to leave AC Milan for Galatasaray after choosing a move to Turkiye over a potential switch to the Premier League.

The clubs have reached a final agreement for the Portugal winger, with the overall value of the transfer expected to reach €45m. Galatasaray will pay €43m upfront, with a further €2m available through bonuses and performance-related add-ons.

AC Milan will also retain a 20% sell-on clause, meaning the Italian club will be entitled to a fifth of any profit from a future transfer involving Leao.

The move represents a significant change in direction for the 26-year-old, who initially viewed the Premier League as his preferred destination. Aston Villa had emerged as the leading English club in the race for his signature and verbally offered a salary of €7.5m per season.

However, Aston Villa did not submit a formal proposal to AC Milan, while the terms discussed with the player did not meet his financial expectations. Galatasaray then stepped up their efforts, improving their offer and presenting Leao with an ambitious sporting project.

That approach eventually secured the winger’s agreement. Leao is expected to sign a contract running until 2030, with an annual salary of €10m plus bonuses.

The transfer is not yet fully completed. Only the final formal procedures and a medical examination remain before the deal can be concluded, according to the information reported. Once those steps are completed, Leao will bring a lengthy chapter with AC Milan to an end and begin a new phase of his career with the Turkish champions.

Leao’s departure would close his time with the Rossoneri after he became one of the club’s most prominent attacking players. His decision to join Galatasaray, despite interest from England, also gives the Turkish club a major success in the transfer market.

The deal is being viewed as one of the biggest transfers in the history of the Turkish league. It is also a statement of intent from Galatasaray, who are seeking to strengthen their position both domestically and in European competition.

The agreement was described in an update posted on social media:

“🚨🟡🔴 Galatasaray reach agreement in principle to sign Rafael Leao, here we go! 💣AC Milan to receive package in excess of €45m with add-ons and sell-on clause also included.Leao accepts after Aston Villa pushing and Gala improved terms proposal today. 🇹🇷pic.twitter.com/ilNJW7UNIS”

Although the announcement refers to an agreement in principle, the reported terms match the structure of the proposed transfer: a fixed €43m payment, €2m in potential additions and a 20% share for AC Milan from a future sale.

Galatasaray’s improved financial proposal ultimately proved decisive. Leao had been considering a move to England, but the Turkish club’s offer of €10m per year, together with a contract lasting until 2030, persuaded him to accept their plans.

The final medical and administrative steps are now required before the transfer becomes official. When completed, Leao will leave AC Milan and join Galatasaray in what is expected to be a landmark deal for Turkish football.