Leao: His decision to join Galatasaray Backfires; Fans Are Furious

In the end, he chose Turkey—and Galatasaray, specifically. After seven years, Leao is ready to take on a new challenge elsewhere. A very lucrative contract awaits him, worth a whopping 10 million euros per season, plus bonuses. Milan, on the other hand, will receive a total of 45 (43 in fixed pay plus two in bonuses), in addition to 20% of any future transfer fee.

The decision by the Portuguese player, born in 1999, has infuriated many Rossoneri fans. Many have not forgiven him for choosing to “go where they pay him the most.” Some have called him a “mercenary like so many others,” while others have said they are “disappointed in the man more than in the player.”

Leao himself had previously stated that he viewed the Premier League as a future goal, but between Aston Villa and Galatasaray, he chose to head to Turkey.

Having joined Milan in 2019, Leao has been one of the key players in the Rossoneri’s recent era. Wearing the club’s jersey, he has tallied 145 goals and assists, helping the team win a Scudetto and an Italian Super Cup. On an individual level, his most significant honor came during the 2021–22 season, when he was named Serie A MVP. Now the Portuguese player is ready to turn the page. After seven seasons at San Siro, his next destination is Istanbul, where he will embark on a new chapter with Galatasaray.