Gimenez to Porto, Leão to Galatasaray: Milan turns the page
On the final day of the transfer window, AC Milan officially closed two significant chapters in the club’s recent history. On one side, the official announcement of Santiago Gimenez’s move to Porto; on the other, Rafael Leão’s emotional farewell, delivered through a heartfelt video dedicated to the Rossoneri faithful.
Santiago Gimenez to Porto: a double-option loan
It’s confirmed: Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican striker born in 1999, leaves Milan for Porto on a loan with an option that can become an obligation under specific conditions. Should those clauses be triggered, the player would remain permanently in Portugal and AC Milan would receive approximately €20 million, including bonuses.
As previously reported, the agreement with Porto had already been reached in recent days: a solution that allows the striker to rebuild his confidence in a competitive league, while Milan retains a share of his value should the permanent deal not materialise.
Gimenez speaks: «I’m burning to show who I really am»
The Mexican forward opened his Porto chapter with a powerful statement: «My past experiences have undoubtedly prepared me for this moment. Everyone saw my growth at Cruz Azul and what that evolution brought me at Feyenoord. At Milan I didn’t perform at the level I wanted, but those years taught me a great deal. Now I’ll put all that experience to good use. I feel like a new person and this is a new opportunity. I’m hungry and there’s a great fire burning inside me. I want to show everyone here at Porto what I’m made of.»
Honest words, from someone who acknowledges falling short of his potential in Rossonero colours — just one goal in the Coppa Italia, none in Serie A during his time at Milan. But he faces forward with determination. That honesty and courage deserve respect. We wish him all the best, with the genuine hope that his resurgence will also bring a meaningful financial return to Milan.
Rafael Leão says goodbye to Milan: «I’ll always be one of you. Forza Milan!»
Following his farewell at Milanello before departing for Istanbul, Rafael Leão posted his official goodbye to AC Milan on social media. A carefully crafted, emotional video blending on-field action and unforgettable moments — including a clip of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s speech after the 2022 Scudetto triumph, a symbol of that remarkable era.
The Portuguese winger’s words were deeply felt: «Seven years of incredible and unforgettable moments, in a city that is home to Italy’s greatest club, which helped me grow both as a player and as a person. It has been an immense honour to be part of this institution, which gave me so much and to which, in my own way, I was able to give something back by winning important titles. A simple thank you almost doesn’t feel like enough, but I will always be one of you. Forza Milan!»
Seven years in Rossonero: the end of a cycle
Seven seasons at Milan, one Serie A title (2021-22) and a Supercoppa Italiana in his trophy cabinet. Leão experienced at Milan the years of his ultimate rise as one of the most electrifying wide forwards in Europe. The bond with the city and the club will never truly fade. Now, at 26, the Portuguese winger begins a new chapter at Galatasaray, in a deal officially worth €38 million, with add-ons taking the total to approximately €45 million, on a five-year contract.
As with all great stories, the chapter between Rafa Leão and AC Milan had to reach its final page. Moving on, for both parties, is often the right call. Milan looks to the future with ambition and a squad that, while still taking shape, has the quality to return to the very top. And deep down, Leão knows it too: «I’ll always be one of you.»
