Leão anticipates Osimhen partnership at Galatasaray

Rafael Leão has expressed excitement about a potential partnership with Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray after completing his move from AC Milan to the Turkish champions, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Portugal international arrived in Istanbul on Saturday to a rapturous reception from thousands of Galatasaray supporters at Atatürk Airport, following his €45m move from the Serie A giants.

The 27-year-old forward is expected to form a formidable attacking partnership with Osimhen and Leroy Sane, with the two players already sharing a close friendship.

Both players featured in the Italian Footballers’ Association Awards in 2023, when Osimhen was crowned Player of The Year after scoring 26 goals and leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Leão was also honored alongside Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the Serie A Team of the Year at the Gran Galà del Calcio following his stellar campaign with AC Milan.

The Portuguse, who spent seven years at San Siro, said he was looking forward to combining with the Nigerian striker and targeting success in both domestic 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 called the Portuguse winger a superstar while walking off the mixed zone after their win on Saturday.

The prospect of the two forwards playing together has generated significant excitement among Galatasaray supporters, with their pace, strength and attacking ability expected to give the club another dimension in the Super Lig and Champions League.

Leão joined Galatasaray after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers during his seven-year spell with Milan.

He made 291 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring 80 goals and providing 65 assists, while playing a key role in their 2021/22 Serie A title triumph and 2024 Supercoppa Italiana victory.

His move to Istanbul came despite reported interest from Aston Villa, who had held talks with Milan over a possible deal for the former Lille winger.

Asked if he had turned down Villa to join Galatasaray, Leão said the Turkish club’s determination to sign him was decisive.

“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.”