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Fenerbahce Close to Signing Crystal Palace Forward Ismaila Sarr
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According to Italian media TMW editor-in-chief Marco Conterio, Fenerbahce is close to signing Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr after their bid for AC Milan's Rafael Leao was rejected. The Turkish Super Lig giants have secured the player's consent and are now finalizing details with the Premier League club. The acceleration of this deal follows Leao's rejection of Fenerbahce's offer. Five days ago, a Fenerbahce delegation traveled to Milan for talks but made no substantial progress. Leao has since joined Milan in Australia for preseason training and remains composed. Fenerbahce leads the race for Leao, competing with Galatasaray, while interest from the Saudi league and Premier League has stalled. Leao's contract has only two years left, and his relationship with new coach Amorim is uncertain, adding risk to a potential stay at Milan.
Source report
Hupu, August 2nd — According to Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, as reported by editor-in-chief Marco Conterio, Fenerbahçe is nearing an agreement to sign Crystal Palace forward Ismaïla Sarr.
The Turkish Süper Lig powerhouse is pushing hard to finalize a deal with Crystal Palace. Having secured the player's approval, the club is now focused on resolving the remaining details with the Premier League side. The acceleration of this transfer was prompted by Rafael Leao's rejection of Fenerbahçe's earlier offer.
Background on the Leao Situation
Five days ago, a Fenerbahçe delegation traveled to Milan for initial contact, briefly drawing attention in the transfer market. However, no substantial progress followed. Leao has since joined AC Milan in Australia for their pre-season tour and resumed normal training. He remains composed both on and off the pitch.
Fenerbahçe's pursuit did not sway Leao or Milan. The player is still carefully weighing his options, waiting for potential offers that may arise in August.
Current Transfer Landscape
- Turkish clubs: Fenerbahçe is currently leading the race. In recent weeks, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have been locked in a rivalry reminiscent of the Istanbul derby, with fierce competition between the two giants.
- Saudi league and Premier League: Clubs that previously showed substantial interest have no new developments for now.
What's Next for Leao
The outcome of this transfer saga is almost certain to be revealed later this month. For a quality player who may leave a top club, the final two weeks of the transfer window are often full of variables.
At present, the possibility of Leao staying is indeed there, but it carries significant risks:
- His contract has only two years remaining.
- The last renewal took months to finalize.
- If he stays and the contract enters its final 12 months next year, Milan will face the risk of further depreciation in the player's value.
- Leao's relationship with head coach Amorim remains uncertain.
- His previous collaborations with Portuguese coaches Fonseca and Conceição were not smooth, whereas he was more comfortable under Pioli and Allegri (at least in the first half of the season).
Source: TuttoMercatoWeb
Source
虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
Part of this Story
Turkish Clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Compete for AC Milan's Rafael Leão