Transfers
MERCATO
OFFICIEL
Leão Makes Shock Switch to Galatasaray After Seven-Year San Siro Spell
Rafael Leão has completed a permanent transfer from AC Milan to Galatasaray, bringing an end to a seven-year chapter in Italy. The Portuguese forward moves to Istanbul as the Turkish giants look to bolster their attack for the seasons ahead.
Rafael Leão has officially departed the San Siro, sealing a permanent transfer to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray. The move, completed on 2026-08-28, marks a significant new chapter for the 27-year-old Portuguese international, who spent the last seven years establishing himself as one of the premier forwards in Serie A.
At a glance
- Player: Rafael Leão (27, Forward, Portugal)
- Move: Permanent transfer from AC Milan to Galatasaray
- Date: 2026-08-28
Career context
Leão’s professional journey began in the youth ranks of Sporting CP before a brief developmental step to Lille in 2018. His big break arrived in 2019 when AC Milan signed him for a reported fee of €30M. Over seven seasons in Milan, he evolved from a promising winger into a cornerstone of the team. His trophy cabinet highlights include the Serie A title in the 2021/2022 season, the Italian Super Cup in 2025, and the Trofeo Silvio Berlusconi in both 2023 and 2024. On the international stage, he was a runner-up in the UEFA U17 Championship (2015/2016), the UEFA U19 Championship (2016/2017), and the UEFA U21 Championship (2019/2021).
How he fits at his new club
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
At Galatasaray, Leão is expected to inject elite-level technical quality and direct wing play into the Turkish Süper Lig. Standing at 188 cm with a high duels attribute rating of 81, he possesses the physical presence to hold off defenders while maintaining the quick footwork needed to beat them. His attack rating of 77 and technique rating of 72 suggest he can operate effectively as a central forward or a wide creator, bringing a proven track record of delivering decisive moments in high-stakes European competitions.
Recent numbers
During the 2025 season with AC Milan, Leão made 31 appearances, starting 29 of them and logging 2,039 minutes on the pitch. He contributed 9 goals and 3 assists, averaging a team rating of 6.86. In Serie A specifically, he featured in 29 matches (27 starts), scoring 9 goals with 3 assists over 1,859 minutes. His shot conversion was solid, with 26 shots on target out of 50 total attempts, and he successfully completed 28 of 65 dribbles (a 43% success rate). He also drew 38 fouls, highlighting his aggressive running style, while maintaining discipline with only 5 yellow cards.
Key takeaways
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Appearances (2025) | 31 |
| Total Minutes Played | 2,039 |
| Goals + Assists | 12 (9G, 3A) |
| Dribble Success Rate | 43% (28/65) |
| Average Rating | 6.86 |
- Immediate Impact: Leão arrives with the pedigree of a Serie A winner and the physical tools to dominate the Süper Lig.
- Versatility: His high duels and attack ratings make him a multi-faceted threat capable of playing across the front line.
- Experience: Having overcome multiple hamstring and calf injuries throughout his career, his health and durability will be critical for Galatasaray's ambitions in both domestic and continental competitions.