Rafael Leao completes Galatasaray move to join Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray have completed the signing of Portugal forward Rafael Leao from AC Milan, bringing him together with Nigeria international Victor Osimhen as the Turkish champions strengthen their attacking options.

The 27-year-old was shown aboard a plane in a short video posted by Galatasaray on X on Saturday, alongside a message for the club’s supporters as he prepared to start a new chapter in Turkey.

Leao is reported to have agreed a four-year contract with Galatasaray after attracting interest from a number of European clubs, including Premier League side Aston Villa.

His arrival adds one of Europe’s leading attacking talents to a squad already built around Osimhen, with Leao expected to offer pace, creativity and the ability to operate in several forward positions.

Born to an Angolan father and a Sao Tomean mother, Leao began his professional career at Sporting CP after progressing through the club’s academy. He made his senior debut in 2018 and was part of the Sporting squad that won the 2017–18 Taca da Liga.

His time at the Portuguese club ended controversially after an incident involving supporters at Sporting’s training facilities. Leao then joined French Ligue 1 side Lille on a free transfer and spent one season in France before moving to AC Milan in 2019.

At AC Milan, Leao developed into one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players. He played an important role in the club’s 2021–22 league title success, a campaign that also saw him named Serie A Most Valuable Player.

Leao’s international career began with Portugal’s youth teams. He played five matches at the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, helping Portugal win the competition for a sixth time.

He continued to progress through Portugal’s age-group sides before receiving his first senior call-up in October 2021. Leao was brought into the squad as a replacement for the injured Rafa Silva.

Four days later, he made his senior debut in a friendly against Qatar, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time. He supplied the assist for Andre Silva’s goal as Portugal went on to win 3–0.

Since then, Leao has become an established member of the Portugal national team. He represented his country at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and was also included in Portugal’s squad for the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals.

Portugal won that tournament after beating Spain on penalties, following a 2–2 draw after extra time.

Leao’s transfer gives Galatasaray another high-profile attacking option as the club attempt to maintain their dominance in Turkey and make a deeper impression in European competition.

For Osimhen, the move means another prominent forward will join him in Galatasaray’s attack. The partnership is expected to add further strength to the club’s efforts to remain successful domestically while increasing their ambitions on the European stage.