Rafael Leao has chosen Galatasaray, as Aston Villa refused to improve offer | OneFootball

Rafael Leao has chosen Galatasaray after Aston Villa failed to raise their proposal sufficiently to satisfy the player or Milan, claim multiple reports, so the Turkish side will pay €45m plus €2m add-ons.

Multiple sources this afternoon including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia, Sport Mediaset and more all give the same confirmation, that Leao has made his decision.

It was known last night that Galatasaray had agreed terms with the club, and were offering a higher salary to the player too compared to Aston Villa.

Rafael Leao ultimately picked Galatasaray

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Rafael Leao #17 of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at Houston Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, it was assumed that the Portugal international was leaning towards the Premier League over the prestige and the opportunity to take the bigger spotlight in Birmingham.

There were two main issues that ultimately Aston Villa were unwilling to overcome, the first was their proposal to Milan of only a loan with obligation to buy at the end of the season rather than a full purchase.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during 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)

The other was the wages, giving Leao just €7m per season rather than the €10m including add-ons that he would pocket in Istanbul.

Ultimately, Leao accepted the Galatasaray proposal and could fly out for his medical tests within the next 24 hours.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is hugged by Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan had originally wanted €50m plus €10m add-ons to make the sale, but realised their rapport had come to an end, so were prepared to accept just €45m plus €2m in performance-related bonuses.

There is also a percentage of the future sale fee that will go to the Rossoneri, reported by pundit Daniele Longo to be 20 per cent, while Leao can sign a contract worth €12m per season net.