Leão to Galatasaray: Official, AC Milan Sell Their No. 10
28 August 2026 is a date that will remain etched in the memory of every Rossoneri fan. Rafael Leão officially leaves AC Milan to join Galatasaray. The seemingly endless transfer saga, which had been dragging on for weeks, came to a conclusion in the afternoon when the Rossoneri club confirmed the deal: the Portuguese winger is now a Galatasaray player.
A Dramatic Twist: Galatasaray’s Renewed Bid Changes Everything
Until early afternoon, the situation appeared to be heading in a completely different direction. Aston Villa, backed by agent Jorge Mendes, had secured Leão’s approval and seemed incredibly close to finalising the deal. Then, around 5:00 PM, the plot twist arrived: Galatasaray made a decisive financial counter-offer, presenting a package that neither the player nor his family could turn down.
The financial gap was staggering: the Istanbul club placed on the table a five-year contract worth approximately €12 million per season plus bonuses — virtually double the €7-8 million proposed by the English club. That difference ultimately swung the balance firmly towards Turkey.
The Decisive Role of Victor Osimhen
It wasn’t just money that convinced the Portuguese winger. According to sources, a phone call between Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leão took place on the day of the agreement. The Nigerian striker, already at Galatasaray and known to have a close personal relationship with Leão, evidently played a key role in influencing his fellow attacker’s final decision.
The Deal Figures: €45 Million and a 20% Sell-On Clause
From AC Milan’s financial perspective, the transfer is worth approximately €45 million. This falls short of the €50-60 million the club had originally sought, but it was enough to finally close the deal. A notable technical detail: the agreement includes a 20% sell-on clause. Should Galatasaray sell Leão in the future, Milan will receive one-fifth of the fee — a formula already seen with the sale of Sandro Tonali, which generated additional income for the club.
Seven Unforgettable Seasons: 80 Goals and 60 Assists in Rossoneri
Rafael Leão leaves AC Milan after seven seasons in Rossoneri colours, a journey that began in 2019 and saw him grow into one of the most iconic figures at the club. His record includes an impressive 80 goals and approximately 60 assists — numbers that speak volumes about his contribution to the Diavolo. Among the highlights, the 2021-22 Scudetto-winning season stands out as the pinnacle of his time in Milan.
What AC Milan Expects from the Transfer Market Now
With the departure of the Portuguese talent, AC Milan now face a significant challenge: finding a profile capable of at least partially filling the void left by such a decisive player. Latest reports suggest possible additions in central defence or in the trequartista role, with new head coach Rúben Amorim and owner Gerry Cardinale — who was in Milan for the AC Milan vs Venezia match — tasked with identifying the right profile together.
Leão’s exit frees up a considerable amount of wage budget, which the club intends to reinvest in the final days of this transfer window. Rossoneri fans expect a strong statement from the board — a signing that demonstrates Milan’s determination to remain competitive at the highest level, even without one of their key players.
One chapter closes, but at San Siro, a new one is always ready to be written. Forza Milan.
