Leao rejects Tottenham move, prefers Galatasaray

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, but the player has reportedly rejected a move to North London in favor of joining Turkish club Galatasaray. The development represents a setback for Spurs, who are seeking to bolster their forward line before the transfer window closes.

The situation has evolved rapidly over the past few days. As of August 25, 2026, multiple reports indicated that Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Galatasaray were in active negotiations with AC Milan for the 27-year-old Portuguese international. Milan were said to be holding firm on an asking price in the 50-60 million range. Leao had publicly expressed a desire for a new challenge, with a preference for a move to the Premier League, making Villa and Tottenham frontrunners at that stage.

However, by August 26, 2026, reports from journalists Sacha Tavolieri and others indicated that Leao had turned down the opportunity to join Tottenham. The player's preference was stated to be Galatasaray, with the Turkish champions having already submitted a formal offer. This shift in the player's decision-making altered the competitive landscape for Tottenham's recruitment.