Journalist Monica Colombo spoke to Corriere della Sera about the future of Rafael Leao, the Milan forward who is set to leave the club:
"Seven years after arriving in Italy, winning the magnificent Scudetto after the comeback in 2022, and following two difficult seasons with few highlights and many disappointments, Rafa Leao is about to say goodbye to Milan. However, his destination is still unclear after a rollercoaster day: Galatasaray or Aston Villa? After Vlahovic moved to Besiktas and Lukaku became a Fenerbahce star, the Portuguese forward, who formed an irresistible partnership with Theo Hernandez on Milan’s left flank, seemed close to joining another Istanbul club. Galatasaray sent intermediary George Gardi to Milan to negotiate with Gerry Cardinale over the signing of the 27-year-old winger. An agreement was reached around dinner time on a fee close to the €50 million that RedBird’s chief is asking for: €45 million in fixed fees plus €5 million in bonuses. For Leao to accept the move, he asked the Turks for a guaranteed salary of €12 million plus €3 million in bonuses.
While talks between his representatives and Gala’s intermediary were ongoing, Aston Villa made a late-night improved offer, albeit with lower figures than those requested by Milan (€42 million fixed plus €3 million in bonuses) and the player (€7 million salary). Today, Leao will make the decision."
