Rafael Leão has chosen to join Galatasaray ahead of Aston Villa after the Premier League club failed to meet the AC Milan winger’s wage demands.
The Portugal international had been seriously considering a move to Villa Park and was understood to have initially prioritised the opportunity to play in the Premier League. However, Sky in Italy reports that Leão has now accepted Galatasaray’s proposal following negotiations over personal terms.
Villa improved their contract offer in an attempt to convince the 27-year-old, but could not reach the salary he was seeking. Leão could now travel to Turkey on Saturday to complete the formalities of his move.
Galatasaray win battle for Leão
Leão’s decision follows an intense battle between Villa and Galatasaray for his signature.
AC Milan had already reached an agreement with the Turkish champions over a permanent transfer. Sky Sport Italia reported on Thursday that Galatasaray’s proposal to Milan was worth €45 million plus bonuses.
Villa were pursuing a differently structured agreement, proposing an €8 million loan fee followed by a €42 million obligation to buy. Milan preferred an immediate permanent transfer.
However, the decisive difference appears to have been personal terms.
Italian reports say Galatasaray offered Leão around €10 million net per season plus €2 million in bonuses, while Villa’s proposal was approximately €7 million to €7.5 million net. Leão’s camp had been seeking an even larger package.
Despite Villa increasing their offer, it was not enough to persuade the winger to reject the Turkish champions.
Villa miss out despite Premier League preference
The outcome represents a significant blow for Unai Emery after Villa made a determined late attempt to bring one of Serie A’s most prominent attacking players to the Premier League.
Reports earlier on Friday suggested Villa had moved into a strong position because Leão was attracted by the prospect of playing in England and appreciated Emery’s interest.
Emery had reportedly contacted Leão personally as Villa attempted to convince him of their project.
But the financial difference between the two contract proposals ultimately proved too large. ANSA reported on Friday afternoon that Leão had made his decision and selected Galatasaray, with the Turkish club offering him around €12 million per season.
Football Italia, citing multiple Italian sources including Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and Sport Mediaset, also reported that Leão had chosen Galatasaray.
Villa move quickly to alternative target
Villa have already responded to missing out on Leão by making major progress on another attacking signing.
Sky Sports News reported on Friday that Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign 18-year-old Senegal international Ibrahim Mbaye.
Mbaye has been a long-term Villa target and is seeking regular first-team football. The right-sided winger made 24 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Villa have already extensively strengthened Emery’s squad this summer, while their attacking overhaul has included the acquisition of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.
For Leão, meanwhile, the focus now switches to completing his departure from Milan and finalising a move to Istanbul after choosing Galatasaray over the opportunity to join Villa in the Premier League.
