Alvaro Morata is already moving on after half a year with Milan. Galatasaray is borrowing the Spaniard for half a year – and has an option to buy.
The departure of Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid came as little surprise. The 32-year-old repeatedly emphasized that he did not feel properly appreciated in his home country. Even the European Championship title this summer did not change the striker’s intentions to leave, as he was once again drawn to Italy. This time, however, not to Juventus Turin, as he had been twice before, but to the red and black part of Milan.
Milan paid 13 million euros to the Rojiblancos, and Morata signed a contract with them until 2028 with an option for an additional year.
For the time being, though, Galatasaray is loaning the striker until the end of the season. However, there is a purchase option, as the Serie A club that sold him has announced. This is said to be around eight million euros. Turkish media are even talking about an obligation to buy.
Replacement for Icardi
For Milan, Morata did not turn out to be the desired reinforcement. Although he scored in his first league game against FC Turin (2:2), only five goals and two assists followed in his other 24 competitive games.
Morata had already announced himself to the Galatasaray fans in a video message on Sunday, and he was frenetically celebrated shortly after his arrival in the Turkish metropolis.
He is set to replace Mauro Icardi, who suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in November and will not be able to play again this season. The reigning champions, who still have Victor Osimhen or Michy Batshuayi in attack, currently top the Süper Lig table ahead of Fenerbahce.
