Ilkay Gundogan has completed a move to Galatasaray from Manchester City, joining the Turkish Super Lig champions on a free transfer. The German midfielder expressed his excitement upon arriving in Istanbul, highlighting his reunion with Leroy Sane and his eagerness to work with Coach Okan Buruk. Gundogan’s arrival is expected to bolster Galatasaray’s squad as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions, and could make his debut on September 14 against Eyupspor.
Ilkay Gundogan has officially embarked on a new chapter in his illustrious career, trading the blue of Manchester City for the vibrant yellow and red of Galatasaray. The move marks Gundogan's second departure from the Etihad, this time on a permanent basis, as he joins the Turkish Super Lig champions as a free agent. The 34-year-old midfield maestro has reportedly inked a two-year deal with the Istanbul-based club, much to the delight of the Galatasaray faithful.
Gundogan's return to Manchester City last August was brief but impactful, following a season-long stint with Barcelona in LaLiga. During his second spell with the Citizens, he showcased his enduring quality, making 54 appearances across all competitions, netting five goals, and providing eight assists. His experience and leadership will undoubtedly be missed in the City midfield.
Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Gundogan expressed his elation, stating, "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." His enthusiasm is palpable, and he seems eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await him in Turkey.
The transfer saga had its twists and turns, as Gundogan revealed, "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." The mention of Osimhen and Sane suggests Galatasaray's ambitious recruitment strategy.
Adding to the excitement, Gundogan shared his camaraderie with Leroy Sane, who also recently joined Galatasaray, "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."
İlkay Gündoğan, İstanbul’da! #GundoIsHere pic.twitter.com/Prga2IFBpA
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) September 2, 2025
Gundogan's move represents a significant coup for Galatasaray, who are eager to bolster their squad for both domestic and European competitions. His experience in the Premier League and La Liga will be invaluable to Okan Buruk’s side. The midfielder brings a wealth of technical skill, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities to the Turkish champions, and is expected to play a key role in their quest for silverware.
"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," Gundogan declared, highlighting his eagerness to embrace the club's passionate fanbase and rich history.
Gundogan becomes Galatasaray’s seventh signing of the summer, joining fellow countryman Leroy Sane, who arrived from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, signaling a clear statement of intent from the Turkish giants. The arrival of these two German internationals is expected to elevate the team's quality and competitiveness significantly.
Okan Buruk’s side have enjoyed a perfect start to their 2025-26 league campaign, winning all four of their matches, including a 3-1 victory over Rizespor on Saturday. The addition of Gundogan is poised to further strengthen their chances of maintaining their impressive form and challenging for the Super Lig title.
Gundogan could potentially make his Galatasaray debut on September 14 against Eyupspor. Shortly after, Galatasaray will kick off their Champions League campaign with an away fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt four days later. All eyes will be on Gundogan as he looks to make an immediate impact and help Galatasaray make a strong statement in Europe's premier club competition.
The excitement surrounding Gundogan's arrival is palpable in Istanbul. Fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness his skill and experience firsthand, and the club is optimistic that he will be a key figure in their pursuit of both domestic and European glory.
With his proven track record and unwavering ambition, Ilkay Gundogan's move to Galatasaray is a transfer that has the potential to be a game-changer for both the player and the club. The Turkish Super Lig is set to become even more captivating with the arrival of this world-class midfielder.