Rafael Leao set to join Galatasaray from Milan in €45m deal

Rafael Leao is travelling to Istanbul to complete his move from Milan to Galatasaray after the Turkish club concluded negotiations with the Italian side over the Portugal winger.

Galatasaray announced on social media that formal negotiations had begun, bringing the transfer closer to completion. The club also posted a video showing Leao on a plane during his journey to Istanbul.

The 26-year-old is expected to arrive at Ataturk Airport at 16:00 local time, where he will undergo a medical before signing his contract with Galatasaray.

According to reports, Milan have agreed to sell Leao for €45m. The Athletic reports that the winger’s net salary at Galatasaray will be between €10m and €12m.

If completed, the transfer will become the second-most expensive signing in Galatasaray’s history. Only Victor Osimhen, who joined the club last summer for €75m, has commanded a higher fee.

Leao’s move would also rank as the second-most expensive transfer in the history of the Turkish league. He is reported to have chosen Galatasaray’s offer ahead of one from Aston Villa.

The Portugal international made 31 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 10 goals. His contribution helped Milan finish fifth and qualify for the Europa League.

Leao had fallen out of favour with his compatriot Ruben Amorim, Milan’s manager, who had indicated that the player wearing the number 10 shirt could leave the club.

His expected departure brings an end to a seven-season spell at Milan. Leao began his professional career with Sporting CP before moving to Lille and then joining Milan in the summer of 2019.

During his time with the Rossoneri, he played 291 matches, scoring 80 goals and providing 61 assists. He also won the Italian league title and the Italian Super Cup.

Galatasaray’s move for Leao represents a significant investment in an experienced attacking player who has been a major figure for Milan since arriving from Lille. The club’s announcement of his journey to Istanbul, followed by the planned medical and contract signing, suggests the transfer is approaching its final stage.

The deal remains subject to Leao completing his medical and signing the required documents, but his arrival would make him one of the most expensive players ever to move to the Turkish league and Galatasaray’s second-biggest signing behind Osimhen.