Leao makes instant impact on Galatasaray debut after €38m Milan exit
Quick summary
Rafael Leao made an immediate impact in his first appearance for Galatasaray following his €38m transfer from AC Milan.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRafael Leao put in a promising performance in his 22-minute debut for Galatasaray on Friday evening following his €38m transfer away from Milan in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
The former Serie A MVP winner came on for his first Galatasaray appearance in an eventual 3-2 Turkish Super Lig victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday night. This was his first outing of the season and his first after leaving Milan.
Official: Rafael Leao points to the Galatasaray crest on his shirt after joining the club in a permanent transfer from Milan (@Galatasaray via Instagram) The Portugal international, who previously had a €175m release clause in his contract with Milan, was sold by the Rossoneri for an initial fee of just €38m towards the end of the summer transfer window, following several weeks of speculation regarding the 27-year-old’s future.
His 22-minute cameo against Basaksehir on Friday night showed the Galatasaray supporters a glimpse of what Leao is capable of at his best.
During his run-out, Leao made several of his trademark runs down the left wing, was involved in the build-up to Lucas Toreira’s equaliser just a few moments after coming on, and also drew the foul that led to Umut Bozok being sent off with just over 10 minutes left to play, which ultimately helped to swing the game back in Galatasaray’s favour having been level at 2-2 at the time.
Watch: Leao gets Galatasaray career off to winning start
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What happened
Rafael Leao wasted no time making his mark at Galatasaray, delivering a notable performance on his debut after completing a €38m move from AC Milan. The Portuguese forward, previously one of Milan's key attacking outlets, appears to have adapted quickly to his new environment. The transfer represents a significant financial return for Milan but leaves a sizeable attacking gap, while Galatasaray gain a high-profile, elite-level forward capable of changing games.
Chance analysis
A €38m move for a player of Leao's profile is a bold statement from Galatasaray, and the Portuguese forward repaid that faith with an immediate impact on his debut. For Milan, the fee softens the blow of losing a player who carried much of their attacking burden in recent seasons, but replacing his output will be the real challenge. Galatasaray now possess one of the most talented wide forwards in the European game, and the early signs suggest the Turkish side have pulled off a significant coup.
Galatasaray's attacking ceiling rises significantly with Leao integrated, while Milan face a major offensive void heading into the rest of the campaign.