Rafael Leão is set to join Galatasaray after the Turkish champions reached an agreement in principle with AC Milan and the player’s camp.
Softfootball understands that AC Milan will receive a package worth more than €45 million, with add-ons and a sell-on clause also included in the agreement.
Leão has now given the green light to the move after Galatasaray improved their contract proposal today. The Portuguese winger is expected to travel to Istanbul this weekend as the final formalities are completed.
The agreement comes despite renewed interest from Aston Villa, who made calls over the last 48 hours in an attempt to explore the possibility of signing the 27-year-old.
Galatasaray have ultimately convinced Leão to accept their proposal, with the player now ready to begin a new chapter in Turkey.
we previously reported that AC Milan and Galatasaray had reached a verbal club-to-club agreement for Leão, with the Turkish champions initially prepared to pay €45 million plus add-ons.
At that stage, final details remained to be resolved and Leão was considering the Galatasaray proposal alongside the possibility of waiting for Aston Villa to advance their interest.
Leão had already made his desire to leave Milan clear following seven seasons at San Siro, with the player and club accepting that a summer separation was the best solution.
We reported back in July that Leão was still expected to leave Milan, with his future set to be determined after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament now behind him, the race for one of Europe’s most exciting attackers has intensified.
Leão joined Milan from Lille in 2019 and developed into one of the club’s most important attacking players, establishing himself as a dangerous winger renowned for his explosive pace, dribbling ability and creativity.
Now, the deal is agreed and Leão is heading to Galatasaray.
