Newly signed Galatasaray winger Rafael Leão has jokingly set himself an ambitious target after completing his move from AC Milan, declaring his intention to provide Victor Osimhen with 100 assists this season.
Speaking during his first major interview with Galatasaray’s official YouTube channel, the Portugal international was asked about his attacking partnership with the Nigerian striker and responded with a smile.
“I want to provide 100 assists for Osimhen this season,” Leão said.
The 27-year-old completed his move to the Turkish champions at the end of August in a deal reportedly worth between €38 million and €45 million. He signed a four-year contract and has already begun settling into his new surroundings.
Leão revealed that he spoke with Osimhen, Leroy Sané and Lucas Torreira before deciding to join Galatasaray. The winger also disclosed that Osimhen gave him a quick lesson on how to perform the club’s famous three-finger celebration.
The former AC Milan star was equally enthusiastic about his new club, highlighting Galatasaray’s history and the calibre of players who have represented the Istanbul giants.
“I already knew Galatasaray. It’s a great club. Great legends like Drogba, Hagi and Sneijder have played here,” Leão said.
“It’s a team built to compete at the highest levels, to beat the big clubs in other leagues and the best teams in the Champions League. In my opinion, Galatasaray has always been at the top.”
Leão’s arrival adds another dangerous dimension to an already formidable Galatasaray attack. Osimhen has established himself as one of the club’s leading attacking figures, while Sané offers quality and experience on the opposite flank.
The prospect of Leão’s pace and creativity from the left combining with Osimhen’s physicality and finishing through the middle, alongside Sané on the right, has heightened expectations among Galatasaray supporters ahead of their Süper Lig title defence and UEFA Champions League campaign.
While Leão’s “100 assists” target was clearly delivered with a touch of humour, his comments underline the excitement surrounding his partnership with Osimhen. Galatasaray fans will now be eager to see how quickly the pair can translate their off-field chemistry into goals and assists on the pitch.
