Leao sale to Galatasaray generates €43.9m profit for Milan
Quick summary
Rafael Leao is set to leave AC Milan for Galatasaray, producing a €43.9m accounting profit for the Italian club.
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Attributed to original sourceMilan were forced to significantly downgrade their asking price for Rafael Leao, selling to Galatasaray for €43-45m plus €2m add-ons and a 20 per cent sell on fee, but still make a healthy profit.
Multiple sources confirm today that Leao has made his decision , rejecting the proposal from Aston Villa because it was much lower both in terms of the fee (which would also have been a loan with obligation to buy) and the salary.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Lorenzo Montipo of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) He is expected to earn €12m per season net in Istanbul, almost double the €7m offered in the Premier League.
Milan had been looking for €50m plus add-ons to sell Leao this summer, already a downgrade from the over €100m release clause in his contract.
Rafael Leao still a money-spinner for Milan MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Rafael Leao of AC Milan gestures 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) Nonetheless, they should still make a very healthy profit with this sale at €43-45m plus €2m add-ons and a 20 per cent cut of the future fee.
Leao’s transfer history is rather complicated, as the Rossoneri ultimately ended up paying €49.5m for him, also needing to cover the fine that his previous club Lille was ordered to give to Sporting CP over an old contract dispute.
Considering his contract was set to expire in June 2028, between amortisation and other payments, his residual value on the books was just €11.2m.
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) Even if the sale was for the lower end of the estimates at €43m, that still provides a profit of €31.8m.
On top of that, as evaluated by Calcio e Finanza , Milan also save €12.1m on his wages and amortisation for the 2026/27 campaign.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Rafael Leao of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Added together, the sale generates a positive effect worth €43.9m to the club for this year.
This doesn’t take into account the 20 per cent of any future Leao transfer if he leaves Galatasaray.
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What happened
AC Milan are moving forward with the sale of star forward Rafael Leao to Turkish Süper Lig side Galatasaray. The deal is reported to generate a €43.9m profit for Milan, reflecting the difference between the original investment and the current transfer figure. Leao's departure marks the end of his spell at San Siro and represents a significant financial and sporting move for both clubs involved.
Chance analysis
The sale of Rafael Leao to Galatasaray represents a significant shift in both Milan's squad and the Turkish league's profile. For Milan, a €43.9m profit provides notable financial breathing room and an opportunity to reinvest in the squad, though losing a player of Leao's attacking quality is a major sporting blow. For Galatasaray, landing a forward of his caliber signals a serious statement of intent and elevates their competitive standing in the Süper Lig and potentially in European competition.
Milan lose a key attacking talisman but secure a sizeable accounting profit; Galatasaray gain a top-tier forward, boosting their offensive ceiling.