Ilkay Gundogan Joins Galatasaray After Emotional Manchester City Farewell

Galatasaray have confirmed the signing of veteran German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer from Manchester City, with the 34-year-old agreeing to a contract that runs until the end of the 2026–27 season.

The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Gundogan, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents and now brings his vast experience to the reigning Turkish champions. With the transfer window in Turkey open until 12 September, Manchester City allowed Gundogan to make the move despite having one year remaining on his contract.

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gundogan said in an emotional farewell. “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.”

He added, “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.”

Gundogan made 358 appearances for Manchester City across two stints, scoring 65 goals. He was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the club in 2016, and over the course of seven trophy-laden years, became a central figure in City’s evolution into a dominant European force.

After a brief spell at Barcelona during the 2023–24 season, Gundogan rejoined City in August 2024 and made 33 Premier League appearances last season, helping the team finish third. Now, he begins a new chapter in Turkey with a club that holds significant personal and cultural meaning for him.

During his time at City, Gundogan won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and most memorably, captained the side to a historic Treble in 2022–23 — culminating in a Champions League victory in his ancestral homeland, Istanbul.

“Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City,” said the club’s director of football Hugo Viana. “We will never forget his legacy here.”

Gundogan also previously represented Bochum, Nuremberg, and Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga and reached a Champions League final under Jürgen Klopp. His move to Galatasaray not only adds pedigree to the Turkish giants but also brings a full-circle moment in a career marked by leadership, professionalism, and consistent excellence on the biggest stages.