Midfielder leaves Manchester City for Turkish champions
Ilkay Gündogan will continue his career in Turkey after joining Galatasaray Istanbul. The midfielder departs Manchester City and has signed a contract running until 2027, both clubs confirmed on Tuesday.
“This is a proud day for me and my family. We are happy and excited to be here,” Gündogan said upon his arrival in Istanbul. He added that he hoped to settle in quickly.
Retirement from Germany and career highlights
The 35-year-old retired from international duty following Euro 2024. In Germany, he played for 1. FC Nürnberg and Borussia Dortmund, winning the Bundesliga and German Cup with BVB. He moved to Manchester City in 2016, where he went on to collect five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. After a one-year spell at FC Barcelona, he returned briefly to Manchester.
“Manchester City will always have a special place in my heart,” Gündogan said. “We achieved incredible things together, especially winning the Treble in the season I captained the team.”
A new chapter in Turkey
In June 2023, he lifted the Champions League trophy with City in Istanbul — now the city becomes his new footballing home. “I’m certain City will keep winning titles, but for me it’s time for a new chapter in a country that means a great deal to me,” he said.
At Galatasaray, he will be reunited with former Germany teammate Leroy Sané, who joined after leaving Bayern Munich. The Turkish champions also secured striker Victor Osimhen on a permanent deal from Napoli for €75 million following his loan spell.
