Aston Villa’s battle with Galatasaray for Rafael Leão has become one of the biggest stories of the final days of the transfer window.
Villa initially approached AC Milan after learning that the Portugal international was open to leaving Italy.
Journalist Antonio Vitiello then described the situation as a direct fight between Villa and Galatasaray, with super agent Jorge Mendes attempting to secure a Premier League move for his client.
Villa have since stepped up their efforts.
Italian reporter Marco Ramiccia reported that a delegation travelled to Milan for face-to-face discussions, while the club worked to create additional wage space.
|
Rafael Leao’s career in numbers |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Club |
Appearances |
Starts |
Goals |
Assists |
Goal involvements |
Minutes |
|
2016/17 |
Sporting CP B |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
22 |
|
2017/18 |
Sporting CP B |
11 |
7 |
6 |
1 |
7 |
644 |
|
2017/18 |
Sporting CP |
5 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
134 |
|
2018/19 |
Lille |
26 |
18 |
8 |
2 |
10 |
1,382 |
|
2019/20 |
AC Milan |
33 |
12 |
6 |
2 |
8 |
1,478 |
|
2020/21 |
AC Milan |
40 |
26 |
7 |
6 |
13 |
2,507 |
|
2021/22 |
AC Milan |
42 |
38 |
14 |
12 |
26 |
3,202 |
|
2022/23 |
AC Milan |
48 |
40 |
16 |
15 |
31 |
3,488 |
|
2023/24 |
AC Milan |
47 |
41 |
15 |
14 |
29 |
3,548 |
|
2024/25 |
AC Milan |
50 |
38 |
12 |
13 |
25 |
3,499 |
|
2025/26 |
AC Milan |
31 |
25 |
10 |
3 |
13 |
1,968 |
|
Career total |
334 |
245 |
97 |
69 |
166 |
21,872 |
|
Tammy Abraham’s possible loan move to Ipswich Town could help that process. However, Galatasaray have presented the stronger financial package.
David Ornstein reports that Milan have accepted a £40 million offer from the Turkish champions. Leao has also been offered between £8-10m after tax per season, but has not yet approved the move.
Villa have been discussing a loan containing an obligation to buy, although Milan would prefer an immediate permanent sale.
That delay has given Villa an opportunity.
Sky Sports says Villa’s package is worth up to £38.5 million, with Galatasaray’s proposal currently slightly higher once bonuses are included.
Matteo Moretto has now provided an encouraging update for Unai Emery.
Aston Villa ‘very close’ to agreeing Leao deal after ‘several’ Emery calls
The Italian journalist claims Villa have been honest with Leao about their financial limits.
They cannot compete with the salary available in Istanbul, but the 27-year-old would still rather continue his career in the Premier League.
Villa and Milan are now working on a structure acceptable to both clubs. The overall cost, payment timetable and transfer formula must still be settled, but Moretto describes the parties as ‘very close’ to agreeing.
Emery has also reportedly spoken with Leao several times over the phone.
That personal involvement shows how important the winger has become to Villa’s plans.
Emery can offer Champions League football, a leading attacking role and the chance to become one of the faces of his rebuilt side.
Leao would provide the explosive carrying ability lost when Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea. He is most dangerous when starting from the left, where he can accelerate beyond defenders or move inside to combine with the centre-forward.
He could form an exciting partnership with Nicolas Jackson, whose proposed transfer from Chelsea could eventually cost £65 million.
There remain risks.
Leao would still require a major salary, and Villa must convince Milan to move away from the permanent offer already accepted from Galatasaray.
Yet the player’s preference could prove decisive.
Galatasaray have offered more money, but Villa are offering the league and sporting challenge Leao wants. With Emery making his case directly and negotiations progressing, Villa now have a genuine chance of winning the race.