Fenerbahce lock in on Rafael Leao: every detail put to the test

One of Fenerbahce's most ambitious moves of the summer window has reached a concrete stage. Fenerbahce have made Rafael Leao one of their top transfer targets this summer and are preparing to open talks over a permanent move. The Turkish giants are ready to table an offer worth €40 million, with bonuses potentially taking the package to €50 million.

Their position in the competition has also become clear. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fenerbahce have overtaken Aston Villa to become frontrunners in the race; Villa were on the market for a winger following Morgan Rogers' £117 million move to Chelsea, and Leao was one of the names under consideration, but their reluctance to act on their interest could now come back to bite them.

The structure of the deal has also become clear. According to Yahoo Sports, rather than pursuing an initial loan option, Fenerbahce are looking to strike a direct permanent deal; they are reportedly willing to offer Milan €40 million (£34 million) for the 27-year-old, with performance-related bonuses potentially taking the total value to €50 million (£43 million).

The full contract terms have also emerged. According to Goal, Fenerbahce are offering the player a five-year deal worth €8 million net per season, with additional bonuses of €1.5 million for over 20 appearances, €1.5 million for 15 goals, and €1 million in the event of a league title.

Milan, meanwhile, have a different plan in mind. The club is reported to plan reinvesting the proceeds from the sale in Genk's Konstantinos Karetsas, though the Greek talent has reportedly already given his word to Borussia Dortmund.

A familiar name also lies behind this process. Super-agent Jorge Mendes is recalled to have been brokering the process, having also offered the player to Barcelona and Manchester United without success.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
Image: Sportal