Rafael LeaoImago

Aston Villa odds-on favourites to complete Rafael Leao deal after 'update'

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

28 Aug 2026, 7:31 am

Aston Villa have now emerged as the odds-on favourites to secure a sensational deal for AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao before the transfer window closes.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the 27-year-old prefers a move to Villa Park over Galatasaray, who have also been chasing him this summer.

This is despite the Turkish side reaching an agreement with AC Milan, with Villa now assessing options to structure a deal.

As a result, one UK bookmaker has slashed the odds on Villa completing a deal for Leao this summer down to 4/11, making them the clear favourites.

The Portugal international has been heavily linked with a move to the Birmingham outfit throughout August, and the club are now closer than ever to completing the signing.

Last season, Leao scored nine times in Serie A and picked up three assists in 29 matches.

How good is Rafael Leao?

Despite his form declining in recent years, Leao is clearly still a top player.

For the past five seasons, the attacker has netted at least 10 goals in all competitions and has regularly found the back of the net in Europe.

In the 2025-26 campaign, despite AC Milan’s poor campaign, Leao still produced some solid stats.

According to Fotmob on 28 August, he averaged 0.44 goals, a 0.48 xG, 3.05 shots, 1.16 shots on target, 0.15 assists, a 0.16 xA, 1.11 chances created and 0.48 big chances created per 90 minutes.

Therefore, if he can replicate these stats in the Premier League, he could prove to be a magnificent signing for Aston Villa this summer.

Rafael Leao has again made it clear to Aston Villa that he prefers to join them over Galatasaray. Villa have spent the last few hours assessing options to structure a deal that could satisfy AC Milan, who have an agreement with Galatasaray. It's a very expensive operation.#AVFC
— John Townley (@johntownley11) August 27, 2026

However, it remains to be seen if John Townley’s report comes to anything.

Aston Villa told to complete 'no-brainer' signing instead of Rafael Leao after 'package accepted'

Who else is in the race for Leao?

Despite Villa being the clear frontrunners, plenty of clubs have not been ruled out of the race yet.

Galatasaray’s odds of completing a deal are still at 15/8, with the club still having a solid chance of completing a deal.

A stay at AC Milan is also yet to be fully ruled out at 10/1, with clubs running out of time to complete a deal.

A shock move to Tottenham Hotspur is also possible, but is deemed highly unlikely at 33/1.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen where Leao will be playing his football throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

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