🇹🇷 Ilkay Gündogan Completes Free Transfer to Galatasaray from Manchester City
Manchester City, German midfielder Ilkay Gündogan has officially joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer.
The 34-year-old, who captained City during their historic treble-winning campaign in 2022–23, departs the Premier League club after making over 350 appearances across two spells. Gündogan first arrived at the Etihad in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s inaugural signing, and quickly became a linchpin in midfield, known for his tactical intelligence, composure, and clutch performances.
After a brief stint at Barcelona, Gündogan returned to Manchester City for the 2024–25 season but found limited playing time amid a squad overhaul. With younger midfielders like Tijjani Reijnders and Nico González stepping into prominent roles, City opted to release Gündogan to allow him to pursue a new challenge.
Galatasaray, eager to bolster their squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League registration deadline, moved swiftly to secure the veteran’s signature. Gündogan has signed a two-year deal with the Istanbul-based club, fulfilling a personal dream of playing for the team he supported as a child.
Speaking on his departure, Gündogan expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. To captain the team to a treble and lift the Champions League trophy in Istanbul was unforgettable. I’m excited to begin this new chapter in Turkey, a country that means so much to me”.
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