Fenerbahçe are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Rafael Leão from AC Milan, with a representative from the Turkish club expected in Milan next week to discuss a potential transfer. According to reports in Italy, Fenerbahçe have emerged as the most likely destination for the Portuguese forward, surpassing interest from Galatasaray.
Leão has been subject to speculation regarding his future for some time, with both Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray previously expressing strong interest. Galatasaray initially made a proposal exceeding €10 million per season, but Fenerbahçe now appear to have greater financial flexibility. The Turkish club recently released a statement clarifying that they had not received any offers of €100 million for Leão, emphasizing their current focus on their Champions League qualifying match against Gornik Zabrze. The statement aimed to reassure supporters amidst the transfer rumours.
Milan may be willing to part with Leão for a fee in the region of €40 million, potentially even less given his recent form which has dipped from previous highs. A loan deal appears unlikely, with Milan keen to remove his substantial salary – between €5.5 and €7 million per season – from their wage bill. The reported offers of €10 million per season from Turkish clubs are seen as a potentially persuasive factor for the player.
Currently, Leão is in Brazil, where he participated in an event for his clothing brand, Son is Son, and undertook training sessions with Corinthians. He is then scheduled to travel directly from Brazil to Perth, Australia, where Milan will play friendlies against Perth Glory on August 1st and Inter on August 5th. It remains uncertain whether Leão will feature in either of those matches. The outcome of discussions next week will be crucial in determining Leão’s future, with a clearer picture expected to emerge within ten days. A successful transfer would represent a significant coup for Fenerbahçe as they continue to strengthen their squad.
