Galatasaray reshape Rafael Leao approach as Milan seek maximum return

Galatasaray are preparing a revised proposal for Rafael Leao after Milan rejected an opening €35m offer for the Portugal forward.

The initial bid was made up of €30m in guaranteed payments and a further €5m in performance-related bonuses. According to Turkish website Turkey Today, Milan want €50m before agreeing to the 27-year-old’s departure.

Galatasaray are now considering an improved package worth up to €40m, with additional bonuses and incentives potentially included. Although that figure would still fall short of Milan’s valuation, it would represent a significant increase on the club’s first offer and bring the two sides closer together.

The Turkish club are also examining a different structure for the transfer. Rather than completing an immediate permanent deal, Galatasaray could propose an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Under that arrangement, Leao would join temporarily before the permanent transfer was activated at a later stage under terms agreed by both clubs in advance.

The structure would allow Galatasaray to spread the financial commitment while offering Milan a route towards securing the overall fee they are seeking. However, the suggested €40m package remains below the Italian club’s stated demand.

Leao’s own preference is expected to be decisive. Despite Galatasaray’s serious interest and their willingness to adjust the proposal, the forward has not yet shown a clear desire to move to the Turkish Super Lig.

The presence of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray could nevertheless encourage Leao to consider the offer more seriously. Osimhen’s arrival would give the club an additional attraction as they attempt to persuade the Portugal international that a move to Istanbul is the right next step in his career.

Milan, meanwhile, are focused on receiving the largest possible fee for Leao as they seek to finance their remaining transfer business before the window closes. The club’s position remains that a departure will only be approved if the financial terms meet their expectations.

Milan manager Ruben Amorim has also indicated that Leao will not be guaranteed a starting role. The manager said the forward would be assessed in exactly the same way as every other member of the squad.

“Leao enjoys playing, but he is a player in the team like everyone else. He helped the team today and that is important, but I evaluate him in the same way I evaluate Nkunku or Camarda,” Amorim said.

That stance could become another factor in the transfer discussions, although Leao’s position remains the central issue. Galatasaray must now decide whether to return with a package closer to Milan’s demands, or use the proposed loan-and-obligation structure to try to make the deal more achievable.