AC Milan agree to pay Galatasaray to end Alvaro Morata transfer saga as Spanish striker nears Cesc Fabregas reunion at Como

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have reached an agreement to pay Galatasaray up to €3 million plus potential bonuses to terminate Morata’s loan. This move frees the Spanish striker to complete a permanent transfer to Como, where he will reunite with former team-mate Cesc Fabregas. The deal also includes a €10m payment from Como to Milan for Morata’s contract, which is set to run through 2028. The transfer saga, prolonged by Galatasaray’s compensation demands after paying €6m for Morata’s initial loan, was resolved after extended negotiations.

Morata’s time at Milan proved underwhelming; joining for €13m (£11m/$15m) from Atletico Madrid in July 2024, he scored only six goals in 25 appearances. He was loaned to Galatasaray in January, where his form improved with seven goals and three assists in 16 matches, slashing his goals-per-minute average in half. His close relationship with Fabregas was influential in his decision to join Como, who recently finished 10th in Serie A and are aiming for European qualification next season. 

While Morata's club future appears to have been solved, there is still some uncertainty around his international career. The forward has said he is considering calling it quits with Spain after his costly missed penalty in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal.

Morata is set to join Como immediately after formalities are completed, with hopes of making his debut against Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy. Como’s attacking options are further strengthened ahead of the 2025-26 Serie A season, and the club eyes European competition. Milan will focus on reinvesting funds into their squad, potentially pursuing new striker options. Galatasaray, having secured Victor Osimhen, move forward without Morata.