The news is spreading fast regarding Galatasaray’s attempts to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan, including the salary they have tabled.
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Corriere dello Sport begin a report this morning by stating that Leao’s future ‘remains a puzzle’. We start with what is virtually certain: the winger wants to leave Milan after seven years, and the club are not going to stand in his way. He wants a top English or Spanish club, but no offers have arrived.
At present, the only team currently pressing hard for Leao are Galatasaray. The Turkish giants are pushing to convince the player and would be willing to offer a salary of over €10m net per season, double the €5m fixed (plus bonuses) he earns at Milan.
The Istanbul club have been working on this move for weeks, attempting to put together a negotiation that has so far failed to take off but which could enter its heated phase in the coming days.
A trip to Türkiye, or something more?
In the last few hours, a photo has emerged of Leao in Turkey , officially on holiday with his family for a few days of relaxation after the World Cup , but it’s clear that the destination could be more than mere coincidence.
Leao could have chosen any place to spend his holidays, but instead he chose Turkey, perhaps to gain first-hand information on the league and life in Istanbul. In the meantime, the Rossoneri directors are waiting and hoping to receive an offer of €50m+.
Leao will have to make a decision in the next few days, but in the meantime he will join the squad on tour in Australia on July 29th. Providing that no move has been finalised, he will have to join the group in Perth, where he will begin preparations after his World Cup commitments and vacation.
He will be reunited with his team-mates and will meet Ruben Amorim, with whom he has already had discussions over the summer. There is no room for Rafa in the new coach’s tactical approach however, so it could be a temporary relationship.
Leao’s unconvincing performances at the end of the season, his statements before the World Cup and his latest social media gaffe make it clear that the time for separation has come. The right team must be found, and Galatasaray are ready to make the investment.