Aston Villa have missed out on Rafael Leão after Galatasaray won the race to sign the AC Milan winger, bringing an end to Unai Emery’s late attempt to take the Portugal international to Villa Park.
Fabrizio Romano has given the transfer his “here we go”, with Galatasaray reaching an agreement to sign Leão after securing the player’s approval earlier on Friday.
The deal is reported to be worth around €45million plus €2m in add-ons, ending a dramatic transfer battle which saw Villa make a late push for the 27-year-old.
It represents the final development after Villa were dealt a major blow when Leão initially gave Galatasaray the green light.
Aston Villa lose Rafael Leão transfer race
Villa had made a serious attempt to hijack Galatasaray’s move.
Romano reported earlier on Friday that Emery had personally spoken to Leão as Villa worked with Jorge Mendes in an attempt to reach an agreement.
At that stage, Galatasaray already had an agreement with Milan but were waiting for the player’s final decision.
Leão has now chosen the Turkish champions and the move is progressing towards completion.
Villa had previously pushed to convince Leão to choose a Premier League move, but their attention has already shifted elsewhere.
Earlier on Friday, David Ornstein reported that Villa had reached an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for Ibrahim Mbaye.
Villa’s €55m agreement for Mbaye gives Emery another potential wide attacking addition after missing out on Leão.
Nicolas Jackson has also officially completed his move from Chelsea as Villa continue a dramatic reshaping of their attack.
Galatasaray’s breakthrough now closes one transfer race. Villa’s focus turns to completing Mbaye’s arrival before the window shuts.
