İlkay Gündoğan Confirmed as New Galatasaray Signing on Free Transfer

Galatasaray have signed player İlkay Gündoğan from Manchester City. The midfielder signed a two-year deal before the Süper Lig season starts. City will not get a transfer fee and will save on his salary. Gündoğan’s arrival marks a significant move as Galatasaray are looking to strengthen their squad for both domestic success and a strong showing in the Champions League.

GÜNDOGAN LEAVES MAN CITY AFTER RETURN SPELL

İlkay Gündoğan, 34, joins Galatasaray and leaves Manchester City on a free transfer. The club beat the domestic deadline and registered him for the Champions League. Gündoğan returned to City in August 2024 after a single season with Barcelona, but his contract was cancelled. He made 54 appearances last season but did not play in the first three matches of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, raising speculation of a departure, and Galatasaray have now completed his registration until 2027. As per reports, he has a 50% chance of leaving Manchester City this summer, which aligns with his recent move to Galatasaray.

IMPACT FOR BOTH CLUBS AND CURRENT FORM

Galatasaray finished as Turkish champions last season, finishing one point behind Fenerbahçe the year prior. They expect Gündoğan’s experience to help win the title. Currently, Galatasaray is two points ahead of second-place Fenerbahçe, sitting third in the 2025/26 Süper Lig table. Gündoğan won all major club trophies with Man City, including 7 Premier League titles and the Champions League. His experience will be crucial in Galatasaray’s bid to win both domestic league and European titles, putting them level with Fenerbahçe as Turkish clubs with the most trophies.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR GÜNDOGAN AND GALATASARAY

Gündoğan’s arrival strengthens the Galatasaray squad as they enter a busy period. They face Başakşehir next, who are 10th in the rankings, six points behind Galatasaray. A win for Galatasaray will keep the pressure onTrabzonspor and second-placed Fenerbahçe. The club will also submit their final Champions League squad this week and will hope that Gündoğan can quickly adapt to the new environment and produce the same results. Meanwhile, for Manchester City, his release helps the club save a hefty wage bill, allowing them to plan for the future, as they have players like Phil Foden who can slot into the midfield if needed. City are also mid-table in the league, with only one win and two losses so far this season in the Premier League and will hope that they can bridge the gap.