Rafael Leão is the new signing for Galatasaray and I want to give a harsh but realistic opinion about this whole situation and how it ended.
Let’s not be inconsistent or literally stupid by saying that Leão isn’t a good player. Leão with the ball at his feet is simply magical. We’re talking about things that Sofascore or FotMob don’t show you. It’s not goals or assists, it’s magic, it’s absolute skill. The problem with Leão is his off-the-ball work, the lack of defensive effort that very few players have nowadays, and the ones who do have it are at a much higher level than Leão.
Leão wanted to leave Milan, he wanted to try something new, a new league, but he wanted to take a step forward or sideways. Aston Villa was mentioned, which, in my opinion, would have been a step forward given Milan’s current situation, and that’s fine. Leaving made sense, but Leão saw himself as a player at a level that he simply isn’t. He’s not Mbappé, Messi or Ronaldo, who can afford not to defend. Top-level football basically doesn’t allow that anymore.
With all due respect, going to Turkish football is a step backwards, just like going to the Saudi Pro League or MLS. Simple as that. He didn’t want that. Leão didn’t want Turkish football, but he’s now been forced to understand that, in top-level football, you have to contribute defensively and not just that, but let’s keep it at that.
He dreamed of Barcelona, top clubs, and ended up in the Turkish league. Do you think it was the right decision?
Conclusion
Once again, this isn’t about disrespecting anyone, but we all know that Turkish football, MLS or the Saudi Pro League aren’t top leagues. They’re not Serie A, they’re not even Ligue 1. It’s simple, and we have to understand that. Leão wanted to take a bigger step than his legs could carry.