Rafael Leao set to say goodbye to Milan fans tonight, fly to Galatasaray on August 29
Quick summary
Rafael Leao is preparing to bid farewell to Milan supporters tonight before completing his move to Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray, with the player scheduled to travel on August 29.
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Attributed to original sourceRafael Leao will be at San Siro for tonight’s Serie A match against Venezia to salute the Milan fans, so should fly out for his Galatasaray medical on Saturday.
It kicks off at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: The AC Milan fans show their support during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The Rossoneri agreed the sale today for a reported fee of €43-45m plus €2m add-ons, and a 20 per cent cut of the future transfer.
In turn, the player accepted the personal terms believed to be for a contract worth €10m plus €2m in performance-related bonuses per season, almost double the €7m wages on offer from Aston Villa.
Rafael Leao will salute Milan supporters MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to 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) According to Sky Sport Italia , Rafael Leao will be at San Siro this evening to say goodbye to the Milan supporters, most likely before kick-off against Venezia.
He was not in the squad anyway due to a combination of injury and the likely exit, and did not play a single competitive match for the club this season.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Rafael Leao of AC Milan makes a run towards goal during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) It remains to be seen what reception he will receive, considering quite a few Milan supporters are not sad to see him leave after his comments during the summer pushing for a way out.
The Portugal international joined the club from Lille in 2019 for what ultimately ended up being a fee of €49.5m , as they helped cover the €20m he owed to Sporting CP over an earlier contract dispute.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Leao leaves Milan after 291 competitive appearances, in which he scored 80 goals and provided 65 assists.
His only silverware in that time was one Scudetto and one edition of the Supercoppa Italiana, named Serie A Player of the Season in 2021/22.
Turkish reports suggest he is expected to land in Istanbul on Saturday morning.
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What happened
Rafael Leao, one of Milan's most recognizable attacking talents in recent seasons, is on the verge of leaving the club. According to reports, the Portuguese forward will say goodbye to the Rossoneri fans during tonight's fixture and then fly to Istanbul on August 29 to finalize his transfer to Galatasaray. The move marks a significant shift for both clubs: Milan lose a key figure in their attacking setup, while Galatasaray secure a high-profile marquee signing ahead of the new Turkish season. The timeline suggests the deal is in its final stages rather than still under negotiation.
Chance analysis
Leao's departure represents a major transition for Milan, who have built much of their recent attacking identity around the Portuguese winger's pace and directness. Replacing his output will be one of the defining challenges of their transfer window. For Galatasaray, landing a player of Leao's profile is a statement signing that raises their Süper Lig title defense ambitions and boosts their profile in European competition, where he can be expected to feature immediately if registered in time.
Milan lose a primary attacking option heading into competitive matches, while Galatasaray gain a high-impact forward who should elevate their offensive output domestically and in Europe.