Galatasaray have completed the signing of German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer.
Galatasaray Sign Ilkay Gundogan From Manchester City On Free Transfer
The 34-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Turkish champions, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Gundogan leaves Manchester City after a remarkable second stint, having rejoined the club from Barcelona in 2024.
Despite making 33 Premier League appearances last season, he did not feature in City’s first three matches of the current campaign, prompting the move.
The transfer aligns with Pep Guardiola’s squad overhaul, which emphasizes younger talents.
In an emotional farewell, Gundogan expressed gratitude to Manchester City, stating, “Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart.”
He reflected on captaining the team to a historic Treble in the 2022-23 season, including a Champions League victory in Istanbul—a city now central to his next chapter.
Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Gundogan has long admired Galatasaray, making this move a homecoming.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised Gundogan’s legacy, calling him “synonymous with success”. The midfielder won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his two spells with the club.
Gundogan will earn a net salary of €4.5 million per season at Galatasaray and joins the Turkish side in time for their Champions League campaign. He is expected to partner with former German teammate Leroy Sané.
