28.08.2026 08:30
Aston Villa had stepped in for Rafael Leao, who is on Galatasaray's transfer agenda. It was reported that the Portuguese star, who met with Unai Emery, has begun to look favorably on the English club. While Leao is expected to make his decision within 24 hours, it was stated that if he accepts Aston Villa's offer, he will earn 8 million euros per year.
The Aston Villa obstacle has emerged in the transfer of Rafael Leao, whom Galatasaray continues its efforts to add to its squad. The English team's head coach Unai Emery's direct meeting with the star player has changed the dynamics of the transfer.
EMERY MET WITH LEAO
According to information reported by Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Unai Emery held a meeting with Rafael Leao. It was stated that the Spanish coach explained his plans for Leao at Aston Villa during this meeting and detailed how he would use the Portuguese footballer within the team. It was noted that following his meeting with Emery, Leao began to look favorably on Aston Villa.
WILL MAKE HIS DECISION WITHIN 24 HOURS
As the transfer enters a critical phase, Rafael Leao is expected to make a decision about his future within 24 hours. It was stated that if the Portuguese star accepts Aston Villa's offer, he will earn 8 million euros per year from the English club.
GALATASARAY HAD OFFERED 45 MILLION EUROS
Galatasaray had submitted a 45 million euro offer to Milan to add the star winger to its squad. The yellow-reds had also offered Leao 12 million euros per year.
However, the process took a different turn when Aston Villa joined the transfer race in the late hours. It had been reported that the English club was considering a package totaling nearly 50 million euros, including a loan fee and a mandatory purchase clause.
PREMIER LEAGUE OPTION GAINED WEIGHT
It is stated that Leao's desire to play in the Premier League was also influential in his favorable view of Aston Villa's offer. It was expressed that the English club strengthened its position in the transfer race after the meeting with Unai Emery.
While the Galatasaray front continues to monitor the developments in the Leao transfer, it is stated that the yellow-reds are also continuing their work on alternative names.