Osimhen Welcomes Portugal Star Leão To Galatasaray

Osimhen Welcomes Portugal Star Leão To Galatasaray

By Our Reporter 

Portugal international Rafael Leão has completed his move from AC Milan to Galatasaray, where he will link up with fellow football star and Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Galatasaray on Saturday posted a short video on X showing the 27-year-old forward aboard a plane, accompanied by a message to the club's supporters as he prepared to begin his new chapter in Turkey.

Leão is reportedly set to sign a four-year contract with the Turkish champions, having attracted interest from several European clubs, including Premier League side Aston Villa.

The move brings together two of Europe's most prominent attacking players, with Leão expected to add pace, creativity and versatility to a Galatasaray side that already boasts Osimhen as its leading attacking figure.

Leão, who was born to an Angolan father and São Toméan mother, began his professional career at Sporting CP, progressing through the club's youth system before making his senior debut in 2018.

He was part of Sporting's squad that won the 2017–18 Taça da Liga before his controversial departure from the club following an incident involving supporters at Sporting's training facilities.

The forward subsequently joined French Ligue 1 club Lille on a free transfer and spent one season in France before moving to AC Milan in 2019.

Leão established himself as one of Serie A's most dangerous attackers at Milan, playing a key role in the club's 2021–22 league triumph. His outstanding performances that season earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award.

His international career began with Portugal's youth teams. Leão represented the country at the 2016 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, featuring in five matches as Portugal won the tournament for the sixth time.

He was subsequently promoted through Portugal's age-grade teams before receiving his first senior call-up in October 2021 as a replacement for the injured Rafa Silva.

Leão made his senior debut four days later, coming on for Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time in a friendly against Qatar. He provided the assist for André Silva's goal as Portugal secured a 3–0 victory.

He has since become an established member of the Portugal national team and represented the country at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

Leão was also part of Portugal's squad for the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals, where the Seleção lifted the trophy after defeating Spain on penalties following a 2–2 draw after extra time.

His arrival further strengthens Galatasaray's attacking options and is expected to increase the club's ambitions both domestically and in European competition.

For Osimhen, the signing provides another high-profile attacking teammate as Galatasaray seek to maintain their dominance in Turkey while making a deeper impact on the European stage.