Leão looks forward to teaming up with Osimhen at Galatasaray

Rafael Leão is excited about the chance to play alongside Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray. He just moved from AC Milan to the Turkish champions, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

The Portugal player landed in Istanbul on Saturday. Thousands of Galatasaray fans welcomed him at Atatürk Airport after his €45 million transfer from the Serie A club.

The 27-year-old forward is set to create a strong attacking lineup with Osimhen and Leroy Sane. Leão and Osimhen are already good friends.

Both players attended the Italian Footballers’ Association Awards in 2023. Osimhen won Player of The Year after scoring 26 goals and helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Leão was also recognized along with Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the Serie A Team of the Year at the Gran Galà del Calcio for his great season with AC Milan.

The Portuguese player spent seven years at San Siro. He is eager to team up with the Nigerian striker and aims for success in both local and European competitions.

“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 Leão, calling him a superstar as he left the mixed zone after their win on Saturday.

Fans of Galatasaray are thrilled at the prospect of these two strikers playing together. Their speed, strength, and attacking skills are expected to add a new edge to the club in the Super Lig and Champions League.

Leão joined Galatasaray after proving himself as one of Europe's top attackers during his time with Milan. He featured in 291 matches for the Rossoneri, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists. He played a vital role in winning the 2021/22 Serie A title and the 2024 Supercoppa Italiana.

His transfer to Istanbul happened even with interest from Aston Villa, who were in talks with Milan about signing the former Lille winger.

When asked if he passed on Villa to join Galatasaray, Leão said the Turkish club's strong desire to sign him made the difference.

“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.”