Leao open to Aston Villa move if they match Galatasaray's €45m+ bonus offer
Quick summary
Rafael Leao is reportedly willing to join Aston Villa provided they match the €45 million plus bonuses package tabled by Galatasaray for the AC Milan forward.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceWhile multiple sources confirm Milan accepted Galatasaray’s €45m plus bonus proposal for Rafael Leao, Sky Sport Italia warn the player is waiting for Aston Villa to match it.
The Portugal international is on the market and the Rossoneri eventually conceded they had to lower the original asking price of €50m plus add-ons.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected as he leaves the pitch after being substituted during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) According to Sky Sport Italia and The Athletic , Milan have today accepted the bid put forward by Galatasaray.
That is €45m plus up to a further €5m in add-ons, while Leao has been offered a salary worth €10-12m per season including bonuses.
Milan prefer Galatasaray, Leao wants Aston Villa MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Both these packages are worth considerably more than the offer on the table so far from Aston Villa, but the Premier League could would be more prestigious a destination for the player.
Sky Sport Italia remain adamant that Leao is in no hurry to join Galatasaray, so is hoping that Aston Villa bump up their bid within hours.
MilanNews also report that Villa’s idea is a loan for €8m with obligation to buy at the end of the season for another €42m.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) The big problems here are that Milan would prefer to make a sale now, while Leao is hoping for more than the €7m per season wages currently being discussed in Birmingham.
Now that Milan have accepted the Galatasaray terms, they expect Aston Villa to match them.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Rossoneri coach Ruben Amorim confirmed today that Leao was not going to be in the squad for this weekend’s Serie A match.
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What happened
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has emerged as a transfer target for both Aston Villa and Galatasaray, with the Turkish club already presenting an offer worth €45 million plus add-ons. According to reports, Leao is open to a Premier League move and would prefer Aston Villa, but only if the English side can match or exceed Galatasaray's financial proposal. The development adds another chapter to Leao's uncertain future at Milan, where his contract situation and high salary have long fuelled speculation. Aston Villa's ability to meet the valuation will likely determine whether the Portuguese star ends up in the Premier League or the Süper Lig.
Chance analysis
Rafael Leao's potential exit from AC Milan has gained fresh momentum, with Aston Villa now positioned as a serious Premier League suitor. The fact that Villa must match Galatasaray's €45m+ offer underlines the financial ambition behind the move and highlights Milan's strong negotiating position. For Leao, a switch to England would represent a significant step in his career, while Aston Villa would be landing a player capable of transforming their attacking line. The coming weeks should clarify whether Villa are willing to stretch financially for a marquee signing of this scale.
AC Milan face the prospect of losing their star winger, with Leao's future hinging on whether Aston Villa can financially match Galatasaray's €45m-plus package.