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Rafael Leao appears increasingly close to concluding his stint in Serie A, with Galatasaray emerging as the frontrunner to secure his services. The Portuguese winger, who has faced issues with form and fitness throughout a challenging campaign at San Siro, is reportedly being offered a substantial financial deal to make the switch to the Turkish giants.

Galatasaray lead pursuit with massive salary proposal

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turkish powerhouse has submitted a proposal that would almost double Leao’s current earnings at AC Milan. Galatasaray are said to have offered the Portugal international a salary of around €10 million per year plus bonuses — a significant increase from the €5.5 million plus performance-related incentives he currently receives in Italy.

Although the Turkish Super Lig might not have been an expected destination for a player who was crowned Serie A’s Most Valuable Player just four years ago, Galatasaray’s determination is unmistakable. The club has a strong track record of attracting notable forwards from Italy, with past successes including Mauro Icardi and Victor Osimhen, and now they are positioning themselves to make Leao their next marquee signing as they aim to assemble a team capable of competing among Europe’s elite.

Leao hints at desire to move on

The 26-year-old’s future with the Rossoneri has become a major talking point after his candid comments while representing Portugal on international duty. Speaking before heading to the United States for the World Cup, Leao expressed his wish for a new beginning following a frustrating season in which AC Milan endured heartbreak on the final day — finishing fifth in Serie A and narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification in the closing round.

Discussing his situation with the Italian club, the former Lille winger remarked: “I have given everything; I want a new challenge in another league.”

These comments have reverberated through Milanello, signalling that the long-standing relationship between Leao and AC Milan may have reached its natural end. Having struggled to regain his top form amid a turbulent period, Leao seems ready to embark on a fresh chapter in his career, possibly departing for the Bosporus soon.

AC Milan’s leadership uncertainty and transfer complications

Even with Galatasaray’s serious interest, the potential transfer is expected to be protracted and may only conclude later in July or August. AC Milan currently find themselves in a transitional phase, still searching for a new head coach and sporting director, which complicates the approval of major exits or key transfer negotiations until the new management structure is finalised.

On the other hand, Galatasaray also face administrative hurdles due to the Turkish Super Lig’s foreign player regulations. Clubs in the league are allowed a maximum of 14 foreign players, with specific limits based on age categories. Presently, Galatasaray have no available foreign player slots, meaning they must sell or release existing squad members before officially lodging a formal offer for Leao’s transfer.

Market valuation and competition for Leao’s signature

Although Leao’s market value has dipped somewhat due to inconsistent performances, he continues to be viewed as a prized asset by AC Milan. Should Galatasaray remain the only team actively pursuing him, they could leverage that position to negotiate a relatively favourable deal with the Italian club.

In the ongoing season, the Portuguese international has featured in 31 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists.

However, the upcoming World Cup could serve as a pivotal platform for Leao. A standout performance in North America may attract renewed interest from major European clubs, potentially boosting his transfer value and complicating Galatasaray’s pursuit. For the moment, the Istanbul-based side stands as the only club to have tabled a concrete and lucrative offer, setting the stage for an intriguing summer transfer battle.