An adventure start far from expectations. Rafael Leao hoped for a completely different impact with the Galatasaray shirt, but a few weeks after his arrival in Istanbul the former Milan striker is already at the centre of Turkish fans' criticism, reliving the same dynamics and critiques that followed him during his years in red and black.

He was transferred during the last transfer window for a fee of 38 million euros plus 20% of a future resale, with a guaranteed salary of 10 million euros net per season for the Portuguese, the 1999-born player had been welcomed as a true international top player. On the pitch, however, the attitude judged lazy and lacking bite immediately earned him heavy attacks from the yellow-red environment.

The current numbers and Turkish media irony

His start under coach Okan Buruk is clear: 4 total appearances in the Super Lig and Champions League for a total of 230 minutes played (twice as starter and twice as substitute). The tally shows 0 goals, 0 assists and one yellow card, against a chronic lack of incisiveness that displeased the fans.

The tipping point was the heavy 4-0 defeat against Trabzonspor, driven by a hat-trick from Mohamed Salah. In that match Leao recorded harsh data: 65 touches and 21 losses, plus 4 shots all off target. On social media and in local TV programmes commentators have already compared him to Zaha, circulating an ironic video with the song Salako (from a famous Turkish comedy film of 1974) in the background.

Now, during the break with his national team, Leao will have to work hard to regain top form and reverse an atmosphere in Istanbul that has already become very hot.