Galatasaray Enter Official Talks to Sign Rafael Leao

Galatasaray have made Rafael Leao a top priority in their search for a major summer attacking signing. According to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, the Turkish champions are in official contact with the Portuguese star's representative, George Gardi, with Milan having authorised the agent to negotiate on the club's behalf with Galatasaray. Fenerbahce are also said to be interested in the player, though they have yet to submit a formal offer.

Per the report, Milan's priority is to sell Leao permanently, with the club demanding a fee of around €50 million. Should a loan arrangement be considered instead, the Italian club wants a mandatory purchase clause included. Milan's need for cash flow to fund further signings is cited as the main driver behind this valuation.

Leao, 26, who earns around €7-8 million a year with bonuses at Milan, is said to find Galatasaray's salary offer higher than his current earnings and is now reportedly more open to a move to Turkey. His visit to Istanbul with his family following the World Cup further fuelled transfer speculation. Having worn the Milan shirt since 2019 and contributed 10 goals and three assists in 31 appearances last season, the Portuguese star's ability to operate on the left wing or as a centre-forward is expected to add significant flexibility to Galatasaray's attack.

Source: Yagiz Sabuncuoglu
Image: A Spor