Besiktas shift focus to Rafael Leao after Salah talks stall
Quick summary
Turkish club Besiktas are reportedly turning their attention to AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after negotiations with Mohamed Salah broke down.
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Attributed to original sourceThere are reports Besiktas have started talks with Milan for Rafael Leao, combined with suggestions their negotiations with Mohamed Salah failed to reach an agreement.
The two stories may very well be connected, because the Turkish club is seeking big signings for the summer under Italian coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Besiktas turn to Leao after Salah? LEEDS, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Liverpool at Elland Road on December 06, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) Salah had seemingly been on the verge of signing on as a free agent after his contract with Liverpool ran down on June 30 and he had agreed personal terms.
However, it is today reported in A Spor that they hit a critical obstacle , namely the share of revenue from shirt sales and the agent’s commission.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) This has blocked the entire affair, and at the same time Belgian transfer pundit Sacha Tavolieri noted that Besiktas had been in concrete talks with Milan for Leao.
The problem remains the same as for Galatasaray and Fenerbahce , specifically that Milan will only accept a pure cash sale for €50-60m and not a loan with option to buy.
Leao is also not going to even consider Turkish football unless he gets at least €8m per season in wages, plus bonuses.
If the budget set aside for Salah is instead used to tempt Leao, then it could see progress.
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What happened
Besiktas had been pursuing a deal for Mohamed Salah but talks have encountered difficulties, prompting the Turkish side to explore alternative targets. Their new focus is Rafael Leao, the Portuguese winger at AC Milan. The report suggests Besiktas are actively working on identifying a marquee attacking signing, with Leao now emerging as a primary candidate. Details of a potential bid or agreement remain unclear at this stage.
Chance analysis
Besiktas exploring a move for Rafael Leao represents a significant transfer story given Leao's status as one of Serie A's most talented forwards. However, a transfer from AC Milan to the Turkish Süper Lig is far from straightforward due to financial fair play constraints, wage demands, and Leao's importance to Milan's project. The collapse of Salah talks suggests Besiktas are aiming for a high-profile, marketable signing. For prediction systems, this remains speculative but could affect AC Milan's future squad planning if any concrete offer materializes.
If Besiktas pursue Leao seriously, it could create uncertainty around Milan's attack and potentially distract the player, though no deal is close.
Monitor for any official bid or statement from AC Milan or Besiktas; current status is speculative with no concrete offer reported.