Table of Contents
- German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has parted ways with Manchester City and joined Turkish club Galatasaray on a free transfer
- Gundogan had one year left in his contract with Manchester City but was allowed to leave after falling down the pecking order at the English Premier League club
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has parted ways with Manchester City and joined Turkish club Galatasaray on a free transfer.
Gundogan signed a two-year deal with Galatasaray on Tuesday and becomes the latest high-profile signing in the Turkish league this summer after Leroy Sane and Victor Osimhen, who also play for the Yellow-Reds. The former Germany international’s move to Istanbul brings to an end his second spell at Manchester City, a club that is so dear to him.
ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after two games
“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. We have enjoyed so much success in our time together and there have been so many unforgettable moments, not least being captain for the Treble-winning season. To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me, but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever.” BBC Sport quotes Ilkay Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan has joined Turkish club Galatasaray on a two-year contract after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer. The transfer window in Turkey is still open until September 12. Photo/ beIN SPORTS.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at Man City in 2016. He arrived from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and went on to enjoy a trophy-laden career in England. During his time with the Cityzens, the midfielder played a total of 358 games and scored 65 goals.
Gundogan is, without a doubt, a name that City fans will never forget. The German played a key role in Manchester City’s recent dominance in the football world and helped the Cityzens win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four English League Cups and their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His last-gasp double that helped City secure a comeback win against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021-22 Premier League season will always remain in the memory of Premier League fans.
He initially left Manchester City in 2023 after the club’s historic treble win and joined Spanish giants Barcelona. But after just one season in La Liga, Gundogan returned to Man City last year. However, he couldn’t help the Cityzens avoid going without a trophy last season for the first time in eight years.
Gundogan had one year left in his contract with Manchester City but was allowed to leave after falling down the pecking order at the English Premier League club following the arrival of midfielders Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders. Gonzalez joined the Cityzens on deadline day of the 2025 winter transfer window from Portuguese side Porto while Reijnders was recruited from Serie A giants AC Milan in June.
Gundogan was the captain of Manchester City when they won the UEFA Champions League title for the first time in history. He also helped the club win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four English League Cups. a Photo/ CGTN.
Gundogan has not played a single game in City’s opening three league matches of the season. With the Turkish transfer window still open until September 12, he was allowed to join Galatasaray in order to get more playing time.
Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana said the club will never forget Gundogan’s legacy. Meanwhile, the German believes that City will enjoy more success in the coming years despite recent struggles. He will definitely receive a hero’s welcome when he returns to the Etihad Stadium with Galatasaray in January for the Champions League.
ALSO READ: Xavi Simons joins Tottenham Hotspur from RB Leipzig
The Cityzens have had a busy summer, which has seen the departure of other experienced players such as Kyle Walker, Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji and Ederson.
