Galatasaray are closing in on one of the biggest signings of the summer, with Portugal winger Rafael Leao set to join the Turkish champions from AC Milan in a deal worth about 45 million euros ($52.1 million).
The 27-year-old has chosen Galatasaray over Premier League club Aston Villa after a late battle for his signature, with the Istanbul club now completing the final formalities of a transfer that would significantly strengthen its attack.
Galatasaray officially confirmed Saturday that it had begun negotiations with Leao and Milan over the transfer of the player, whose arrival in Istanbul was expected later in the day for a medical examination and the completion of the deal.
The move comes as Galatasaray prepare for another title challenge after winning their fourth consecutive Süper Lig championship and 26th league title. Okan Buruk's team are targeting a fifth straight domestic crown while also seeking another deep run in the Champions League.
Galatasaray had identified strengthening the wings as one of its priorities during the summer window and made Leao one of its principal targets.
The Portuguese international had attracted interest from Aston Villa, which also pushed to sign him in the final stages of the negotiations. But Leao ultimately preferred Galatasaray, with the Turkish club offering a more attractive financial package and the prospect of Champions League football.
Italian broadcaster Sky Sport reported that Galatasaray and Milan had agreed on a package worth 45 million euros, comprising 43 million euros in fixed payments and 2 million euros in bonuses. Milan would also retain a 20% sell-on clause. Leao was reportedly offered a contract through 2030 worth 10 million euros per season plus bonuses.
Other reports put the player's annual earnings at about 12 million euros including bonuses.
Leao's departure from Milan became increasingly clear after he said goodbye to his teammates following the club's 2-0 victory over Venezia.
The winger described leaving after seven years as a difficult decision and expressed his lasting affection for the Italian club.
"I said goodbye to my teammates after seven years," Leao said, according to Reuters. "Milan helped me grow and understand what top-level football is really about."
Leao joined Milan from Lille in 2019 and developed into one of Serie A's most dangerous attacking players. He made 291 appearances for the club, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists, according to Reuters.
He played a key role in Milan's 2021-22 Serie A title triumph and was named the league's player of the season.
Leao would give Galatasaray a proven attacking threat capable of playing wide or cutting inside from the left. His pace, dribbling and ability to create chances could add another dimension to an attack already built around high-profile talent.
The transfer also underlines Galatasaray's growing ambition in the European market. After attracting major names in recent windows, the club is now poised to add a player with seven years of experience at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
For Leao, the move represents a new chapter after establishing himself as one of Portugal's leading attacking players.
The winger came through Sporting CP's academy before moving to Lille, where he caught Milan's attention. He then spent seven seasons at San Siro, becoming a central figure for the Rossoneri and earning 49 caps for Portugal.
