RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Why Rafael Leao decision to reject Aston Villa for Galatasaray makes sense
After weeks of looking for a new project away from Milan, Rafa Leão finally had on his hands a Premier League project in the form on Aston Villa.
However, he has rejected it. The Villans’ financial package was simply not as good as what Galatasaray are willing to offer, and with a €45m fee accepted by the Rossoneri , the Portuguese international is finally on his way out of San Siro.
While a major opportunity to play in the Premier League has passed Leão by, it is a blessing in disguise for Emery and Co. At the peak of his powers, he could be excused for relative lack out output off the ball. A younger Leão would even be afforded more time to get used to the physicality and intensity of the league.
We do not have on our hands a Leão at his peak. Villa’s opening-day thrashing at the hands of Brighton further reinforced the fact they are not in a position to serve as a rehabilitation site for many dormant talents and need players who can start delivering right away.
The recent arrival of Nicolas Jackson highlights just that: off-the-ball work rate is a priority for Emery, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were to bring in another player over the coming days.
As for Leão, in Galatasaray he has found a club matching him wage demands while offering him Champions League football — where incidentally he will face Villa in the league phase — and ply his trade in what has quickly become a high-profile league with no dearth of superstars over the summer that cannot be ignored. It’s a competition more his speed right now, and playing for the heavy favourites for the Süper Lig crown, in front of fans who know a thing or two about setting fire to the atmosphere in more ways than one, may just help Leão find his groove again.
Anshuman Joshi | GIFN
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