Rafael Leao Open to Fenerbahce Move as Milan and Turkish Club Remain Apart on Fee

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Rafael Leao is open to a move to Fenerbahce, according to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, but no agreement has been reached between the Turkish club and AC Milan on the transfer fee. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for several days, could be key to unlocking the remainder of Milan’s summer mercato.

The Portuguese winger has been heavily linked with an exit from San Siro this summer, and Fenerbahce have emerged as a serious suitor. A delegate from the Istanbul club landed in Italy this week to hold direct talks with Milan officials, but the two sides remain apart on the financial terms.

Key facts

Negotiations in Progress

The transfer saga has dominated headlines in both Italy and Turkey this week. On Monday, it was confirmed that a Fenerbahce representative had arrived in Italy to meet with AC Milan’s hierarchy. Despite the meeting, no breakthrough has been reported.

Sabuncuoğlu, a well-connected Turkish reporter, states that the talks are still active. Fenerbahce are pushing to close a deal at around €40 million plus bonuses, either through a permanent transfer now or a loan with an obligation to buy. Milan, however, have been firm on their €50 million-plus-bonuses valuation.

Fee and Salary Demands

The financial gap between the two clubs is not the only hurdle. Leao’s personal terms are also a significant factor. The 27-year-old has reportedly requested a salary of €10 million net per season plus bonuses to move to Turkey. That figure would make him one of the highest-paid players in the Süper Lig.

Sabuncuoğlu directly refuted earlier claims that Leao is unwilling to join Fenerbahce or play in the Turkish league. The reporter states that, provided his economic demands are met, Leao sees the move as a serious option. The player’s stance represents a shift from earlier speculation that he preferred to remain in Europe’s top five leagues.

Milan’s Winger Plans

For AC Milan, the sale of Leao is not just about reducing the wage bill or collecting a fee. The club views the proceeds as the key to funding a significant attacking reinforcement. According to Sabuncuoğlu, Milan are planning to sign a “top-tier winger” with the revenue from Leao’s departure.

The emphasis on a high transfer fee suggests that Milan are targeting a proven replacement rather than a developmental prospect. The identity of that target remains unclear, but the club’s scouting department is likely to have a shortlist ready once the Leao deal is finalised. The timing of the sale could therefore dictate the quality of the signing Milan can make before the window closes.

What This Means for the Clubs

For Fenerbahce, signing Leao would be a statement of intent. The club has been active in the transfer market under their current management, and adding a player of Leao’s calibre would strengthen their domestic and European ambitions. However, the fee and salary demands mean the deal is far from straightforward.

For Milan, the situation is a delicate balancing act. Holding out for the full €50 million could delay other moves, but accepting a lower bid might compromise their ability to land a top-tier replacement. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the two sides can bridge the gap.

The story remains fluid. Neither club has issued an official statement, and the figures reported by Sabuncuoğlu have not been confirmed by Milan or Fenerbahce. Readers should treat the financial details as unconfirmed until official announcements are made.

Source: SempreMilan – “Sabuncuoğlu: Leao open to Fenerbahce with negotiations ongoing – Milan seek ‘top-tier winger’” – https://sempremilan.com/leao-open-fenerbahce-milan-top-winger