Galatasaray Initiates Formal Talks to Sign Portuguese Winger Rafael Leão

Galatasaray, the current champions of the Turkish league, have officially announced the initiation of formal negotiations with AC Milan to secure the transfer of Portuguese international winger Rafael Leão.

The 27-year-old attacker is reportedly arriving in Istanbul today to finalize the deal. In a video shared by the Istanbul club on social media, Leão expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating he is "very happy" to join the Turkish side and describing it as the start of "a new and important chapter" in his career.

Leão also conveyed his excitement about returning to play in the Champions League with Galatasaray, expressing confidence in the team's potential to achieve significant results in the competition. "I am very happy to sign for Galatasaray. A new and important chapter in my career begins. I am excited to play in the Champions League again, where I believe we can achieve great things," the player stated.

While the financial specifics of the transfer have not been officially disclosed by either club, Turkish media reports indicate that Galatasaray will pay AC Milan approximately 45 million euros, plus potential bonuses. Leão is expected to receive an annual salary of 12 million euros. According to the newspaper Sabah, he will wear the number 27 jersey and is scheduled to watch his new team's league match against Göztepe from the stands tonight.

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I am very happy to sign for Galatasaray. A new and important chapter in my career begins. I am excited to play in the Champions League again, where I believe we can achieve great things.