Como have successfully agreed a deal to sign Álvaro Morata from AC Milan after reaching an agreement with Galatasaray for approximately €5 million in compensation to terminate his loan early. The Spanish striker will join Como on loan with an obligation to buy, concluding one of the summer’s most complex transfer sagas.
The 32-year-old had made it clear that he only wanted to join Como despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, with former Spain teammate Cesc Fabregas playing a crucial role in convincing the striker to move to the newly-promoted Serie A side.
Complex Three-Way Negotiation
The transfer required delicate negotiations between three parties, with Como having already reached agreements with both Morata and parent club AC Milan, while Galatasaray held out for compensation to release the player early from his loan.
Milan needed to pay around €5-6 million to exit the loan arrangement, with the final compensation package settling close to €5 million. This payment clears the path for Morata’s transfer to Como after weeks of intensive negotiations.
The breakthrough came after new talks were scheduled between Como and Galatasaray on August 6, 2025, finally resolving the deadlock that had prevented the transfer from progressing.
Player Determination and Preference
Morata refused to report back to Galatasaray for pre-season, demonstrating his commitment to securing a move to Como despite the complex negotiations required. His determination to join Fabregas’s project proved decisive in pushing through the deal.
Despite a bid from a Saudi club, Morata preferred Como, where he saw the opportunity to work under his former international teammate while remaining in top-level European football. This preference simplified Como’s negotiating position.
The striker’s insistence on joining only Como created urgency in the negotiations, with Como and Milan setting a deadline for Galatasaray’s green light or the transfer would collapse.
Galatasaray Loan Background
Morata joined Galatasaray from Milan on loan with a guaranteed salary of €3m for the second half of 2024-25 and additional €3m for the first half of 2025-26. His performances in Turkey had been productive despite his desire to leave.
Since joining Galatasaray, Morata scored 5 goals in 10 league matches, demonstrating his continued effectiveness at the highest level. However, his heart was set on a return to Serie A.
The Turkish club’s demand for compensation reflected both their investment in the player and the loss of a key performer during a crucial period of their season.
Como’s Ambitious Project
The signing represents a major coup for Como as they prepare for life in Serie A following their promotion. Securing a player of Morata’s caliber and international experience provides immediate quality and leadership.
AC Milan and Como reportedly agreed to share Morata’s wages for the 2025/26 season, making the financial structure manageable for the newly-promoted club while allowing them to compete for a World Cup squad player.
Fabregas’s influence proved crucial in attracting Morata to the project, with their international experience together providing the foundation for this ambitious signing.
Medical and Final Steps
Authorization for medical test and travel arrangements will now be processed, with the formalities expected to conclude smoothly given the comprehensive negotiations already completed between all parties.
This transfer concludes one of the most complex deals of the summer, involving three clubs across two countries and requiring creative financial structuring to satisfy all stakeholders while respecting existing contractual obligations.