Turkish Transfer Saga over Rafael Leão Continues: Fenerbahçe Increase Their Offer, but the Portuguese Star Has Doubts

The Rafael Leão–Fenerbahçe transfer saga is entering a decisive stage. According to the latest reports from Italy, the Turkish club are preparing to submit a new official offer to AC Milan for the Portuguese forward.

The new proposal could arrive on Monday, August 3, and is expected to be much closer to Milan’s financial demands. However, the main obstacle no longer appears to be an agreement between the clubs, but the player’s own position.

Fenerbahçe move closer to Milan’s asking price

Milan initially demanded approximately €60 million for Leão. However, due to the lack of offers at that level, the Rossoneri could accept a deal worth around €50 million.

Fenerbahçe’s first reported proposal was a loan with an option to buy, with the total package valued at approximately €40–42 million. Milan rejected that formula because they are only interested in a permanent transfer.

According to Italian sources, the Istanbul club’s new offer could reach €45–46 million for a permanent deal. The difference between that amount and Milan’s asking price could potentially be covered through bonuses.

Milan want at least €50 million, plus bonuses that could take the final value of the operation closer to €60 million.

Lucrative contract offered to Leão

Fenerbahçe have reportedly presented Leão’s agent, Jorge Mendes, with a significant contract proposal: a four-year deal worth €8 million per season, plus approximately €2 million in bonuses.

Those figures are higher than Leão’s current salary in Milan, but they have not yet convinced the Portuguese international to approve the transfer.

Champions League is the main obstacle

Leão’s doubts are not primarily financial but sporting. The forward is not entirely convinced about moving to the Turkish league, especially because Fenerbahçe have not yet secured their place in the main stage of the Champions League.

For Leão, the opportunity to compete in Europe’s most prestigious club competition remains a decisive condition. For that reason, Galatasaray could represent a more attractive alternative, as they have already secured Champions League football.

It should be noted that Fenerbahçe publicly denied reports on July 25 claiming that they had prepared a €100 million package covering Leão’s transfer fee and salary. Nevertheless, Italian media continue to report ongoing contact and the preparation of a new, significantly lower offer.

Fenerbahçe now appear ready to move closer to Milan’s valuation, but completing the transfer will require them to win the most difficult battle: convincing Rafael Leão that his future should be in Istanbul.