Rafael Leao transfer: Galatasaray agree AC Milan deal as Aston Villa remain in race
Rafael Leao is facing a major decision over his future after Galatasaray reached an agreement with AC Milan while Aston Villa continue to push for the Portugal international.
The final days of the transfer window have transformed what had been persistent speculation around Leao into a genuine choice between two potential destinations. Galatasaray have reached an agreement with Milan worth €45m plus bonuses and are now attempting to convince the player, while Aston Villa have presented a different proposal to the Rossoneri. Leao trained normally at Milanello on Thursday as negotiations continued around him.
Galatasaray reach agreement with AC Milan
The Turkish champions have made the most significant progress at club level and are prepared to invest heavily to persuade Leao to move to Istanbul. Galatasaray's agreement with Milan is worth €45m plus add-ons, leaving them to negotiate personal terms with the forward. Their salary proposal is substantial: according to Sky Sport Italia, the Turkish club have offered €10m net per season plus a further €2m in bonuses. Leao's demands are understood to be higher, however, with the forward seeking a package worth around €12m plus €3m in bonuses. Those figures mean there is still work to do despite Milan already being prepared to sanction the transfer under the terms agreed with Galatasaray.
Aston Villa offer Leao a Premier League route
Aston Villa remain firmly involved and provide Leao with a very different sporting option. The Premier League club have proposed an €8m loan fee with a €42m obligation to buy, giving the operation a potential overall value of €50m. Villa's salary offer, reported at approximately €7m net per season, is lower than Galatasaray's proposal. The appeal of the Premier League, however, could become an important factor in the player's decision. Contact between Leao's representatives and Villa is expected as the forward assesses both possibilities.
Decision moves into Leao's hands
Milan have therefore reached a stage where the most important decision may no longer belong to them. Galatasaray have satisfied the Italian club's demands, while Villa have submitted a financially credible alternative. The question is which project Leao prefers — or whether he decides to remain at San Siro. The 27-year-old has been one of Milan's most recognisable attacking players for several seasons, and replacing him this late in the window would create a further challenge for the Rossoneri.
For now, Leao remains a Milan player and continues to train with the squad. But with Galatasaray already holding an agreement with the club and Aston Villa refusing to step aside, his future has entered its decisive phase.
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