Milan have accepted a €45m bid from Galatasaray for Rafael Leão, yet the Portugal international is delaying the transfer in hope that Aston Villa will match the Turkish club’s proposal within hours, according to reports from Sky Sport Italia.
The Rossoneri approved the offer worth €45m plus up to €5m in additional bonuses, bringing the total potential fee to €50m. Galatasaray have also tabled a lucrative contract worth between €10m and €12m per season including bonuses, figures that substantially exceed the terms on offer from England.
However, Leão appears reluctant to commit to a move to Istanbul despite the financial advantages. The winger is reportedly waiting for Aston Villa to improve their current proposal, which presently stands at an €8m loan fee with an obligation to purchase for €42m at the season’s end. The Midlands club have offered wages of approximately €7m per season, significantly below the Turkish side’s package.
Milan’s Preference and Squad Omission
The Serie A side favour an immediate permanent sale rather than a temporary arrangement, creating a significant obstacle for Villa’s loan-based approach. Milan’s firm stance leaves Leão in a difficult position as he weighs the prestige of Premier League football against the certainty of the Galatasaray deal.
The situation has already affected first-team selection. Coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Leão will not be involved in the squad for the upcoming Serie A fixture this weekend, a clear indication that the club considers his departure imminent and are preparing for life without their star winger.
What Happens Next
With the transfer window drawing to a close, Aston Villa face mounting pressure to restructure their offer into an immediate purchase that matches Galatasaray’s €45m base valuation. Milan have effectively set a deadline by accepting the Turkish bid, forcing the Premier League club to act swiftly if they wish to secure the 25-year-old attacker.
Should Villa fail to meet Milan’s demands for an outright sale, Leão may be compelled to reconsider the Galatasaray option or face the prospect of remaining at the San Siro despite being frozen out of the matchday squad. The next 24 hours are likely to prove decisive in determining whether the Portugal international secures a move to England or reluctantly accepts the lucrative proposal from Turkey.