Rafael Leao Begins Galatasaray Journey Amid Warm Fan Reception
Rafael Leao arrived in Istanbul to begin his new chapter with Galatasaray, being warmly welcomed by thousands of fans. The Portuguese forward made the switch from AC Milan, opting for the Turkish club over a competing offer from Aston Villa. “Victor Osimhen is a really good friend,” Leao noted during his unveiling.
Aston Villa had presented a different proposal, but the figures offered were significantly lower in both the transfer fee to Milan and the player’s salary.
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Rafael Leao welcomed by Galatasaray supporters
Leao expressed his hopes to bring joy to the Galatasaray fans, telling reporters, “I hope I can give really good joy to the Galatasaray fans,” as supporters chanted his name. He further acknowledged the hard work of Galatasaray’s President and Vice President in facilitating the transfer, stating, “Galatasaray was looking for this deal to push through from June. Thank you to all the guys who made the deal happen. It’s a good opportunity for me and I will do my best.”
It has been suggested that the former Napoli striker Osimhen played a key role in encouraging Leao to choose Galatasaray, especially after his seven years at San Siro. Leao added, “Osimhen is a really good friend, I think we will do good things together for Galatasaray. We are in the Champions League, want to win the League, so I am excited.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Initially, Milan sought €50 million plus add-ons for Leao, but they ultimately agreed to a deal nearer to €43-45 million, which includes a €2 million bonus and a 20-25 percent share of any future transfer fee.
As part of his contract with Galatasaray, Leao is expected to earn around €12 million per season, joining the squad alongside Nigerian international Osimhen.
Rafael Leao was greeted by thousands of fans as he landed in Istanbul to begin his Galatasaray adventure after leaving Milan, preferring them to Aston Villa. ‘Victor Osimhen is a really good friend.’
There was another proposal on the table from Aston Villa, but with figures significantly lower both in terms of the transfer fee to Milan and the salary for the player.
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Rafael Leao welcomed by Galatasaray supporters
“I hope I can give really good joy to the Galatasaray fans,” Leao told reporters as the crowds screamed his name.
“Galatasaray was looking for this deal to push through from June, the President and vice president did a really good job. Thank you to all the guys who made the deal happen.
“It’s a good opportunity for me and I will do my best.”
It had been suggested that former Napoli striker Osimhen was instrumental in helping convince Leao that this was the best step for his career following seven years at San Siro.
“Osimhen is a really good friend, I think we will do good things together for Galatasaray. We are in the Champions League, want to win the League, so I am excited,” confessed the Portugal international.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Milan had been looking for €50m plus add-ons to make the sale, but ultimately had to settle for closer to €43-45m plus €2m bonus and a 20-25 per cent cut of the future fee.
The player is expected to pocket circa €12m per season in wages with Galatasaray, where he will be teammates with Nigeria international Osimhen.
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