Try to untangle the formula for Morata’s transfer to Galatasaray: you need an algebraic calculator!
Morata al Galatasaray, che formula strana: sembra un’equazione algebrica (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
There is something reassuring in knowing that, at least once a year, Alvaro Morata changes teams. It is a well-established ritual that unites fans and soccer fans in the resolution of intricate transfer formulas.
This time, the protagonist of the eternal striker waltz decided to take a flight to Istanbul, bound for Galatasaray. So far, so normal. Too bad that his transfer looks more like an algebraic equation than a market transaction.
According to the Turkish club’s official statement, Morata is moving from AC Milan to Galatasaray on a €6 million interest-bearing loan until Jan. 20, 2026. So far, so clear. But it’s just the beginning of a long journey through deadlines, options, clauses and conditions that would put a UEFA auditor to shame.
Quanto costò Morata al Milan
Milan had secured Morata in July by paying in full the €13 million rescission clause on the player’s contract. The Rossoneri had preferred to adopt this solution rather than push for a diplomatic agreement with Atletico Madrid on the basis of a lower figure.
The former Juventus man had signed a four-year contract with an option to extend for a fifth year and was earning about 5.5 million euros per season including bonuses.
Morata’s arrival, as analyzed in detail by Calcio & Finanza, had a budget impact between gross payroll and amortization of about 11.58 million euros per season.
Il prestito di Morata: diritto di riscatto e cifre “a salire”
In January 2026, Galatasaray will have the right to redeem the player for 8 million euros, but only if Morata sends a written request for confirmation by January 15, 2026. And so far, we are still in the realm of the rational.
Il prestito di Morata: diritto di riscatto e cifre “a salire” (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
However, if the Turkish club decides not to redeem him immediately, it could extend the loan until June 30, 2026. A “loan-on-loan” option with right of redemption but also right of withdrawal. But at least, by doing so, Milan by selling him can make Gimenez official and try to make a surprise coup to put a different face on this crazy January market.
But it does not end there. In case the loan is extended, Galatasaray will have to pay Milan €3 million for those extra six months.
At that point, he will have a second chance to buy it, but at a slightly increased amount: 9 million euros, to be paid conveniently in six installments, provided he exercises the option by June 10, 2026.
And now the paradox: with this formula, in a year’s time Milan could find Morata back on the roster, should Galatasaray decide not to redeem him or extend his loan.
Perché il Milan ha ceduto Morata con questa formula? (AnsaFoto) – serieanews.com
An eventuality that would open up new market scenarios for the Rossoneri, who would be forced to consider whether to reinstate him or look for a new solution for his tag.
This brain-dead formula seems to be the result of a compromise between Milan and Galatasaray: the Rossoneri collect an attractive sum right away and guarantee themselves the possibility of future cash-in, while the Turkish club gives itself some financial flexibility before deciding whether to bet definitively on Morata or not.
For Morata, however, the usual story: a new adventure, a new city, but no certainty about how long he will stay. Then again, you know, Alvaro is not a striker, he is a wave: he comes, he goes, and he always leaves you wondering where he will be tomorrow. And the soccer market, with him, becomes an exercise in high mathematics.
This article Morata to Galatasaray, figures and formula: looks like an algebraic equation appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
