Galatasaray have secured the signature of veteran German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after his exit from Manchester City. The 34-year-old penned an agreement that runs through the 2026-27 campaign with the reigning Super Lig titleholders.
Although Gundogan still had 12 months remaining on his deal at the Etihad, City allowed him to move since the Turkish transfer market remains active until 12 September.
Farewell to Manchester City
“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gundogan reflected after the move. During his time in Manchester, the midfielder appeared 358 times and recorded 65 goals.
He highlighted the joy of serving as captain in the Treble-winning campaign, pointing to the domestic double and the long-awaited Champions League triumph as career-defining achievements. The final in Istanbul, where City lifted the European trophy for the first time, was described by him as an unforgettable moment.
“I am sure Manchester City will continue to succeed and I will follow from a distance as I take the next step in Turkey, a nation with deep personal meaning for me,” Gundogan added.
Career path and legacy
Brought to City by Pep Guardiola in 2016 as his first acquisition, Gundogan spent seven years at the club before leaving for Barcelona in 2023. He returned to Manchester in August 2024 and featured 33 times in the Premier League last season, with City finishing third.
The Gelsenkirchen-born midfielder, whose family roots are Turkish, lifted the Premier League trophy on five occasions and won the Champions League in 2022-23. His earlier career included spells at Bochum, Nuremberg and Borussia Dortmund.
“Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City,” said sporting director Hugo Viana. “We will never forget his legacy here.”
