AC Milan and Galatasaray have reached a verbal club-to-club agreement for the transfer of Rafael Leão, with the Turkish champions prepared to pay €45 million plus add-ons for the Portuguese winger.
Although the broad agreement is now in place, final details are still being discussed between the two clubs. The next major step will be Leão’s decision, with the 27-year-old now weighing up the Galatasaray proposal against the possibility of waiting for Aston Villa to advance their interest.
Leão has already made his desire to leave AC Milan clear after seven successful seasons at San Siro. The Portuguese international first confirmed his intention to seek a new challenge on May 31, 2026, with both the player and the Italian club subsequently accepting that a summer separation would be the best solution.
Softfootball reported 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.
Galatasaray’s proposal could prove particularly attractive financially, with the Turkish side prepared to offer the player a lucrative personal contract as they look to make another major statement in the transfer market.
However, Aston Villa remain an important factor in the situation. Leão must decide whether to accept Galatasaray’s offer now or remain patient in the hope that the Premier League club makes a concrete move.
For Milan, the verbal agreement represents significant progress toward an exit that has been anticipated for months. The Rossoneri are now waiting for Leão to make the final decision, while Galatasaray will hope their proposal can convince the winger to continue his career in Turkey.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching its conclusion, Leão’s decision could determine the next major move of the summer transfer market.
