İlkay Gündoğan Set for Galatasaray Move in Sensational Deadline Day Transfer

İlkay Gündoğan is set to join Galatasaray. He will sign a contract with the Turkish champions until June 2027. The experienced midfielder is moving to Istanbul after Manchester City allowed him to leave for a fee of about £3.5 million, thereby reducing their salary expenses.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Galatasaray have reached an agreement to sign Gündoğan from Manchester City. He will join in a free transfer, which has been confirmed by reports indicating that City is ready to part ways with him. Gündoğan is expected to sign a two-year contract worth around €5 million per season; however, there have been suggestions that the deal could run for three years. Gündoğan landed in Istanbul to finalize the transfer, and Galatasaray wasted no time in registering him before the Champions League squad deadline. City fans remember Gündoğan for his leadership and his five Premier League titles and Champions League victory, but he did not feature in the club’s first three games of the 2025/26 season, signaling that they were ready to move on. Galatasaray have secured his signature to improve their midfield after winning the Turkish Süper Lig last season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gündoğan, 34, rejoined Manchester City in 2024 after a spell at Barcelona but has struggled for playing time this season. While he played in 54 games for City last year, he has failed to make a single appearance this season. Galatasaray, the reigning Süper Lig champions, are looking to strengthen their squad for both domestic success and a strong showing in the Champions League. The team has high ambitions, aiming to continue their dominance in Turkish football and to compete with the top European sides. Signing a player with Gündoğan’s experience and track record shows their intent to compete at a higher level.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GALATASARAY AND GÜNDOĞAN?

Galatasaray’s next match is in the Süper Lig, where they sit first, just two points ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe. Their opponents are fourth-placed Beşiktaş, who are trailing by three points. A report confirms that a win would help Galatasaray stay at the top as the title race heats up. Gündoğan is expected to slip into the side quickly as the club prepares to register their Champions League squad. His arrival could provide much-needed creativity and leadership in midfield as Galatasaray look to advance in Europe and remain ahead in the domestic league.