OFFICIAL: Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan joins Galatasaray

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Sept 2025 15:58 BST
• 4 min read

News

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has arrived in Istanbul to complete his transfer to Galatasaray.

The 34-year-old is fulfilling a lifelong dream by joining the Istanbul giants, with Gundogan having grown up a supporter of the decorated Turkish club.

Galatasaray have been linked with Gundogan all summer, but it wasn't until Monday that they managed to achieve a breakthrough, agreeing a deal with Man City that will see the veteran arrive on a free transfer.

Current ETV

İlkay Gündoğan

M, DM (C)

Man City

İlkay Gündoğan

M, DM (C)

Man City

€13.5M

ETV Range

€12.1M - €14.8M

View full profile

Gundogan still had a year to run on his contract at the Etihad, but Man City have agreed to let him go for nothing to get his salary off the books. Galatasaray can still do business as the Super Lig transfer window remains open.

Gundogan has now arrived in Istanbul and spoken to the media to confirm his transfer to the reigning Turkish champions. He also revealed that talks with Galatasaray had been ongoing for months.

Gundogan joins Galatasaray

Although Gundogan has yet to complete his medical, Galatasaray have already confirmed the transfer by publishing Gundogan's quotes on their website.

"World-renowned footballer Ilkay Gundogan arrived in Istanbul amidst a large crowd," their statement read. "Answering questions from the press at the airport, the experienced footballer made the following statement:

'I'm very happy. It's a proud day for me and my family. We're very excited. We're very happy to be here. Hopefully, we'll adapt to the team quickly, meet my teammates and play some fun football.

'There were transfer talks, but I wasn't keen on anything. Talks with Galatasaray started in May or June. There were other issues. They sorted out [Victor] Osimhen and [Leroy] Sane. We had to wait a bit, but thankfully, we'll make all the signings on the last day and become part of the Galatasaray family.

'Sane and I are good friends. We play well together. I met with Coach Okan [Buruk] two days ago. After that, everything moved very quickly. I'm looking forward to working with him. I'm very happy.

'It's a very proud day. We've returned home. We're very happy about that. It's a great pride to be a part of the Galatasaray community. We've reunited. I'm looking forward to the moment I put on that jersey and step into the stadium.'"

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