AC Milan have confirmed that Portuguese forward Rafael Leão will leave the San Siro this summer, with Galatasaray ready to meet a €45 million fee. The 27‑year‑old, who has been a focal point of Milan’s attack, is expected to sign a four‑year contract that includes a €10 million base salary plus performance bonuses.
Leão’s departure confirmed
The Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan have accepted the offer from the Turkish giants, and that negotiations are now in the final stages. A meeting between Leão’s agent and Galatasaray officials took place this week, signalling that a personal agreement is close. The deal, valued at €45 million, marks one of the most significant outbound transfers for Milan this window.
What Milan lose
Leão’s exit comes as Milan continue to reshape their squad. Defender Fikayo Tomori, midfielder Jean‑Claude Fofana and centre‑back Pierre‑Gilles Akpa Akpro (listed as Gimenez in the report) have already been omitted from the current squad list, indicating a broader purge under manager Stefano Pioli. With the Portuguese forward gone, Milan will need to rely on younger talent and possible winter signings to fill the creative gap.
Galatasaray’s ambitions
Galatasaray have prepared a four‑year contract worth €10 million per year, plus bonuses, for Leão. The Turkish club see the Portuguese striker as a marquee signing that can boost their domestic title chase and give them a stronger foothold in European competition. The move also aligns with Galatasaray’s recent strategy of attracting high‑profile players from the top five leagues.
Other headlines from Italy
While Leão’s transfer dominates the news, other stories are shaping the Italian football landscape. Fiorentina’s centre‑forward Moise Kean is reportedly at odds with the club after expressing a desire to join Como, leading to a fine for missing training. Juventus have opened discussions around a possible new centre‑forward, with Canadian international Cyle Larin mentioned as a target for manager Massimiliano Allegri.
Champions League draw
The Champions League draw in Monte Carlo placed Inter Milan in the first pot, with Roma, Napoli and Como following in the subsequent pots. The draw highlights the challenges Italian clubs will face against European heavyweights such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris Saint‑Germain.
Looking ahead
Leão’s move to Galatasaray will be finalized before the start of the 2026‑27 season, pending a medical and the completion of paperwork. Milan will enter the new campaign without one of their most dynamic attackers, while Galatasaray will add a proven Serie A talent to a squad eager for silverware. Both clubs now face a period of transition as they adjust their strategies for the upcoming season.
Leão’s exit is a blow to Milan’s attacking firepower, but it also frees up funds for a long‑term rebuild. Galatasaray’s gamble on a high‑profile forward could pay dividends if they integrate him quickly.
Milan will need to find alternative sources of creativity, potentially promoting youth or entering the market for a replacement. Galatasaray gain a proven scorer, which could lift them in the Turkish league and improve their European prospects.
Preguntas Frecuentes
The transfer is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026‑27 season, after the medical and paperwork are finalized.
The clubs have agreed on a €45 million transfer fee for the Portuguese forward.
Milan lose a key attacker and, combined with the omission of Tomori, Fofana and Gimenez from the squad list, will need to reshuffle and possibly recruit to replace the creative loss.