Rafael Leão has left AC Milan for Galatasaray in a transfer worth 38 million euros, or roughly 44 million dollars. The deal was completed on Sunday, capping a summer move that takes the Portuguese winger from Italy to Turkey.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Galatasaray announced the signing and confirmed Leão will earn a net salary of 10 million euros per season over the length of the four-year contract. The Turkish club also noted a sell-on clause as part of the agreement. "Additionally, 20% of the profit from any future sale of the player will be paid to AC Milan," Galatasaray said.
Leão is 27 years old. He won the Serie A MVP award in the 2021-22 season, the same year he helped Milan claim the Italian league title. That was his high point at the club. In the years that followed, he dealt with injuries and struggled to produce consistent performances at San Siro.
His form at the World Cup last month offered a reminder of what he can do at his best. With Portugal facing Croatia in a group stage match, Leão delivered a curling cross that set up a decisive header from Gonçalo Ramos in stoppage time, giving Portugal a 2-1 win and a place in the round of 16.
The move to Galatasaray marks a significant shift in Leão's career. Istanbul will be a new environment, and the Turkish Super Lig a different stage than Serie A. Galatasaray, one of Turkey's most prominent clubs, has a history of signing high-profile European players. For Leão, the transfer represents a fresh start after what the AP described as a stretch of injuries and inconsistent form following his peak season in Milan.
