Milan Transfer Market: Deal Reached with Fenerbahçe, but Leao Changes His Mind

Milan is grappling with the Rafael Leao saga: the Portuguese forward, after announcing several times over the summer his intention to leave the Rossoneri, is now hesitating as he waits for the right offer—one that has yet to materialize, according to his expectations.

Fenerbahce has been in contact with Milan and Leao’s agents for weeks, and according to rumors, it will make another move starting next week by revising its offer to the Rossoneri: According to reports, the Turkish club is ready to offer Milan a loan deal with an option to buy set at 46 million euros—a figure very close to the 50 million euros the Rossoneri would be willing to accept for the Portuguese international.

The real obstacle to the transfer to the Istanbul club is Rafael Leao himself. It is not a financial issue, given that the Portuguese player has been offered a contract worth a total of 10 million euros per year, including base salary and bonuses—well above what he currently earns in Milan. Leao is not convinced about moving to a less prestigious league, nor to a club that has not yet secured a spot in the next Champions League (it is in the qualifying rounds)—a condition the player considers essential.

Leao is therefore continuing to bide his time in the hope of receiving an offer from Galatasaray (which is guaranteed a spot in the Champions League) and, above all, from the Premier League, his true ambition for the future. But according to the latest rumors, continuing his career with the Rossoneri—at least for another year—is no longer out of the question: in this case, negotiations will need to focus on renewing his contract, which is set to expire in 2028, to prevent his value from depreciating.