Galatasaray sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan for €38m in record deal

Galatasaray, the four-time defending Turkish Süper Lig champions, have completed the signing of Portugal international forward Rafael Leão from Serie A side AC Milan, the Istanbul-based club announced on Sunday. The transfer, valued at €38 million (approximately $44 million), includes a four-year contract for the 27-year-old attacker, with annual wages reported at €10 million. The move comes as Galatasaray prepare for their Champions League campaign while continuing to strengthen their squad.

The transfer agreement also includes a sell-on clause, with Galatasaray set to pay AC Milan 20% of any future profit from Leão’s next transfer. The Portuguese striker arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, where he was greeted by a crowd of Galatasaray supporters. His arrival marks a significant addition to a squad that already features Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and German winger Leroy Sané, both of whom joined in recent seasons.

Leão’s departure from AC Milan follows a period of mixed fortunes. The Sporting CP academy graduate had been a key player in the club’s 2021-22 Serie A title-winning campaign, scoring 11 goals in 34 appearances that season. However, his later seasons saw a decline in form and concerns over his commitment, coinciding with Milan’s struggles in European competitions. Over seven years with the Rossoneri, he made 291 appearances and scored 80 goals, including a memorable strike in the 2022 Champions League quarterfinal against Napoli.

The transfer also highlights AC Milan’s recent financial strategy, which has seen them break their own club record twice in the past year. In August, they spent €74 million to sign Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, further emphasizing their focus on rebuilding with young talent. Leão’s exit follows a difficult end to his tenure at the club, where he played his last match for Milan in a 2-0 Serie A win over Venezia on Friday.

Galatasaray’s move for Leão underscores their ambition to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions. The club’s statement confirmed the deal as part of their ongoing efforts to assemble a competitive squad under their current leadership.

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