Rafael Leao Chooses Aston Villa Over Galatasaray in Summer Transfer Race

Rafael Leao is ready to leave AC Milan for the Premier League, with Aston Villa now leading the race for his signature ahead of Galatasaray.

Portuguese outlet Record reports that Galatasaray had reached an agreement in principle with the 27-year-old winger, offering €45 million and a contract worth €12 million per year. Aston Villa subsequently submitted a loan bid structured as an €8 million loan fee plus a €42 million purchase obligation, totalling €50 million. The player now favours the Villa move, despite the West Midlands club’s wage offer of €6.5 million per year falling well short of what Galatasaray placed on the table.

Leao’s AC Milan Career in Numbers

Leao joined AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019 and quickly established himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous wide attackers. Over seven seasons at San Siro, his individual form became closely tied to the club’s broader results.

The 2024/25 campaign underlined that dependency. Leao produced only 10 goals and 3 assists across 31 appearances in all competitions, and Milan ended the season fifth in Serie A. His output dipped, the team struggled, and a summer exit now appears inevitable.

Why Both Clubs Want Him

Galatasaray’s pursuit makes sense in context. Wilfried Zaha departed as a free agent, and Leroy Sane’s future at the Turkish club remains uncertain. Leao’s pace and goal threat make him a natural candidate to fill that void on the flank.

Aston Villa’s need is equally clear. The club signed Alejandro Garnacho this summer but lost Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, leaving a gap in attacking productivity. Leao addresses that directly.

With Leao’s preference now firmly pointing toward Villa Park, Galatasaray face a steep climb to change his mind. Follow TipsGG for the latest updates as this transfer moves toward conclusion.