Portugal forward, Rafael Leão, has said he is looking forward to teaming up with Victor Osimhen following his €45m transfer from AC Milan to Turkish champions Galatasaray.
Leão arrived in Istanbul on Saturday and was welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic Galatasaray fans at Atatürk Airport after completing his move from the Serie A club.
The 27-year-old is expected to add more firepower to a Galatasaray attack that already features Nigerian striker Osimhen and Leroy Sane.
Leão and Osimhen have maintained a close friendship since their time in Italy. Both players were recognised at the Italian Footballers’ Association Awards in 2023, with Osimhen winning the Player of The Year award after scoring 26 goals to help Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Leão was also named alongside Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the Serie A Team of the Year at the Gran Galà del Calcio after an impressive campaign with Milan.
The former Lille attacker, who spent seven years at San Siro, believes his partnership with Osimhen could help Galatasaray challenge strongly in both Turkey and Europe.
“I am very excited right now. I am excitedly waiting to play matches. Victor Osimhen and I are already good friends. I think we can achieve very good things both in the league and in the Champions League,” Leão said.
Osimhen also praised the Portuguese winger, describing him as a superstar while speaking in the mixed zone after Galatasaray’s victory on Saturday.
Leão joins the Turkish champions after making 291 appearances for Milan, scoring 80 goals and registering 65 assists.
He also played an important role in the club’s 2021/22 Serie A title triumph and their 2024 Supercoppa Italiana success.
His move to Galatasaray came despite interest from Aston Villa, who had reportedly opened talks with Milan over a possible transfer.
Leão revealed that Galatasaray’s persistence was a major factor in his decision to move to Istanbul.
“Yes, because Galatasaray was looking to push this deal since June. The president, Dursun Ozbek, and the vice-president, Niyazi Yelkencioglu, did a really good job, also Jorge Mendes.
“So, thank you to all the guys who made the deal happen. It’s a good opportunity for me, and I will do my best.”
The arrival of Leão has raised expectations among Galatasaray supporters, who will be eager to see how his pace, power and creativity combine with Osimhen’s strength and goalscoring ability in the Super Lig and Champions League.
