Representatives from Fenerbahçe are set to travel to Milan to negotiate a deal for Rafael Leão, according to reports in Italy. The Turkish club are prepared to offer at least €50 million, including bonuses, for the Portuguese forward.
Leão is currently in Brazil, having joined Neymar for promotional events, and is expected to fly to Perth, Australia, to link up with the Milan squad for pre-season training on Wednesday. However, his long-term future appears to lie in Turkey, with Fenerbahçe pushing for a permanent transfer. The potential deal hinges, in part, on Fenerbahçe’s progression in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Fenerbahçe currently hold a 1-0 lead over Gornik Zabrze ahead of Wednesday’s return leg in Poland. Advancing to the third qualifying round, and potentially beyond, is seen as crucial to attracting Leão, who desires to play at the highest level of European football. Galatasaray, already qualified for the Champions League, are also monitoring the situation, but Fenerbahçe’s financial capacity to complete a swift deal gives them an advantage.
Milan have begun their pre-season preparations without Leão, with Samuel Chukwueze featuring prominently in midfield. The club are also awaiting the returns of Christopher Nkunku and Christian Pulisic to bolster their attacking options. While Leão will initially join the team in Australia, his future remains uncertain. A loan with an obligation to buy is also being considered as an alternative to a direct purchase.
The situation could become clearer following Fenerbahçe’s Champions League qualifier, with a potential deal materializing later this week. Leão’s participation in Milan’s friendly against Chelsea in Jakarta on August 8th remains in doubt, as his future hangs in the balance.
