The long-running saga is over. Rafael Leão has officially chosen Galatasaray over Aston Villa, completing one of the final major moves of the summer transfer window. Leão chose the Turkish Süper Lig giants over Premier League side Aston Villa, with the transfer from AC Milan valued at €40 million plus bonus payments.
Table of Contents
The Player’s Decision
Negotiations accelerated rapidly as the Portuguese star green-lit the move to Istanbul, with the operation entering its final stages, with final approvals pending ahead of scheduled travel and medical examinations.
Rafael Leão chose Galatasaray despite a late push and increased financial offers from Premier League side Aston Villa.
The Transfer — Now Official
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Player | Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Age | 27 |
| Position | Left Winger / Forward |
| From | AC Milan |
| To | Galatasaray |
| Transfer Fee | €40 Million + Bonuses |
| Contract Length | 4 Years |
| Annual Salary | €12 Million Net + Bonuses |
| Agent | Jorge Mendes |
Leão Says Goodbye to Milan
Leão confirmed his departure directly to supporters following Milan’s league fixture against Venezia. Speaking to the press after the match, the forward offered an emotional goodbye to the Serie A club. He stated that he was leaving the following day, adding that he would always look back at Milan and that his love for the club would never end. In a farewell message, he expressed that he felt like a part of the club’s history and wished Milan the best after several years.
Personal Terms
Galatasaray agreed to terms on a four-year contract with Leão, with the forward set to earn a net annual salary of €12 million plus bonuses under the agreement.
The Financial Impact on AC Milan
Leão’s book value as of June 30, 2026 was €11.2 million. Pending official confirmation of the figures, the capital gain should come in at just under €29 million, at €28.8 million.
Leão’s Final Season at AC Milan
The forward contributed 10 goals and 3 assists across 31 official appearances for Milan during the previous season.
Career Path
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 2017–2018 |
| Lille | 2018–2019 |
| AC Milan | 2019–2026 |
| Galatasaray | 2026– |
The Osimhen Connection
Victor Osimhen played a key role in convincing Leão to choose Istanbul, reportedly making direct contact with the Portuguese winger to encourage him to join the Galatasaray project — and ultimately, it worked.
FAQs
Has Rafael Leão’s move to Galatasaray been officially confirmed?
Yes. Further confirmation arrived with Fabrizio Romano giving the “here we go” on Leão’s move to Galatasaray.
Why did Leão choose Galatasaray over Aston Villa?
Rafael Leão chose Galatasaray despite a late push and increased financial offers from Premier League side Aston Villa. The salary agreement and the Istanbul project ultimately proved decisive.
What are the financial details of the transfer?
The transfer from AC Milan is valued at €40 million plus bonus payments. Galatasaray agreed to a four-year contract, with the forward set to earn a net annual salary of €12 million plus bonuses.
How did Leão bid farewell to AC Milan?
Speaking to the press after Milan’s match against Venezia, the forward offered an emotional goodbye to the Serie A club, stating that he was leaving the following day and that his love for the club would never end.
What was Leão’s AC Milan record in his final season?
The forward contributed 10 goals and 3 assists across 31 official appearances for Milan during the previous season.
