Rafael Leao joins Galatasaray: 38 million euro transfer and four-year deal

Galatasaray confirmed the signing of Rafael Leao on Sunday. The 27-year-old Portuguese winger leaves AC Milan and signs for the next four seasons with the reigning Turkish champions, who are paying 38 million euros for a player also targeted by Aston Villa.

• Galatasaray pays 38 million euros to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan.
• The Portugal international signs a four-year deal worth 10 million euros per season.
• AC Milan retains 20 percent of any future profit from the player's sale.
• Leao leaves Milan with 80 goals in 291 official appearances across all competitions.
• Aston Villa had also shown interest in signing the Portuguese forward.

Rafael Leao signs for Galatasaray through 2029

The Istanbul club announced the agreement on Sunday, securing Leao for the next four campaigns. Galatasaray confirmed that the Portuguese international will earn 10 million euros per year, placing him among the highest-paid players in the squad.

The forward's arrival comes just hours after a huge crowd of supporters welcomed him in Istanbul on Saturday. Leao, who has won 49 caps and scored 6 goals for Portugal, becomes the marquee signing for a Galatasaray side that will once again compete in the Champions League.

AC Milan keeps a 20 percent sell-on clause

One of the most significant details of the operation is the clause protecting AC Milan's interests. Galatasaray confirmed that the Italian club will receive 20 percent of any profit generated from a future sale of the player, a common formula in deals involving high-potential footballers.

This mechanism will allow Milan to recover part of the investment if Leao increases his market value during his time in Turkey. The decision to include it reflects the Italian club's belief that the Portuguese forward still has room to return to his best form.

Leao ends six seasons of highs and lows at Milan

Leao arrived in Milan in 2019 from Lille and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Serie A. His breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season, when he played a key role in winning the Scudetto and was named the league's best player.

The following campaign he posted his best league scoring record with 15 goals, a tally he has not come close to matching since. In recent seasons the winger lost his place in Milan's attacking line, struggling to break the ten-goal mark and becoming one of the faces of the club's current sporting crisis.

What Leao brings to Galatasaray's Champions League project

Galatasaray adds a different profile to its attack: powerful, direct and capable of beating defenders in one-on-one situations. The Turkish board hopes the change of scenery will restore the consistency Leao displayed during his best spell in Italy, when he was regarded as one of the most unpredictable attackers in Europe.

Champions League qualification makes Istanbul an attractive destination for a player looking to relaunch his career at 27. Leao will have the opportunity to compete at the highest European level again and to lead a project aiming to remain dominant in Turkish football.

Aston Villa misses out on a target

The Premier League club had emerged as one of the most serious suitors for the Portuguese forward, but they now see a signing slip away that would have elevated their attacking options. Aston Villa failed to convince Milan or the player, who has prioritized the financial and sporting proposal put forward by Galatasaray.

FAQ about Rafael Leao's transfer