Ilkay Gundogan officially joins Galatasaray: Midfielder reacts to Man City exit with transfer a win-win for all parties

Galatasaray have completed the signing of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, subject to international clearance.

The soon-to-be 35-year-old joins the Turkish Super Lig champions on a free transfer and has put pen to paper on a contact that runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Gundogan has brought an end to a second spell at Man City after returning to the club last summer from La Liga side Barcelona where he spent just one season.

Across his two spells at the Etihad Stadium, Gundogan made a total of 358 appearances in all competitions, scoring 65 goals and registering 47 assists.

Gundogan initially became Pep Guardiola’s first signing at Man City in July 2016, joining from Borussia Dortmund, and in his first stint with the Citizens, the German won 14 trophies, memorably captaining the club to a historic treble including their first ever Champions League triumph in 2022-23.

The five-time Premier League winner was unable to lift silverware in the 2024-25 campaign after returning to Man City, but as he did in 2023, he departs the Etihad as a Citizens legend after playing an integral role during a historic period in the club’s history.

? İlkay Gündoğan, İstanbul’da! #GundoIsHere ? pic.twitter.com/Prga2IFBpA

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) September 2, 2025

Gundogan leaves Man City for a second time to join boyhood club Galatasaray

Gundogan stated earlier this summer that he was more than happy to remain with Man City for the 2025-26 season after an automatic one-year contract extension was triggered earlier this summer.

However, the midfielder has now agreed to leave the Citizens and join Galatasaray in a transfer that represents a win-win for all parties.

Indeed, Guardiola was keen to trim his bloated first-team squad throughout the summer and was reluctantly prepared to part ways with Gundogan, who now gets the opportunity to represent his boyhood club Galatasaray, who have held an interest in the midfielder for some time.

Gundogan was born in Gelsenkirchen and made 82 international appearances for Germany, but he grew up with Turkish parents in a household full of Galatasaray supporters and he is now looking forward to embarking on a fresh challenge in the Super Lig.

Speaking at a Turkish airport shortly before his arrival at Galatasaray was made official, Gundogan told reporters: "I'm very happy. It's a proud day for me and my family. We're very excited. We're very happy to be here. Hopefully, we'll adapt to the team quickly, meet my teammates and play some fun football.

"There were transfer talks, but I wasn't keen on anything. Talks with Galatasaray started in May or June. There were other issues. They sorted out [Victor] Osimhen and [Leroy] Sane. We had to wait a bit, but thankfully, we'll make all the signings on the last day and become part of the Galatasaray family.

?❤️? pic.twitter.com/P9j8Yrtbgh

— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) September 2, 2025

Gundogan: “Man City will always hold a special place in my heart”

"Sane and I are good friends. We play well together. I met with coach Okan [Buruk] two days ago. After that, everything moved very quickly. I'm looking forward to working with him. I'm very happy.

"It's a very proud day. We've returned home. We're very happy about that. It's a great pride to be a part of the Galatasaray community. We've reunited. I'm looking forward to the moment I put on that jersey and step into the stadium."

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gundogan told the club’s official website. “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.

“I have no doubts Manchester City will enjoy much more success in the future and I will certainly be watching on from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that means ever such a lot to me.”

Unbelievable memories ?? pic.twitter.com/AOMUUyj3St

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 2, 2025

 

“Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Man City,” says Viana 

Reflecting on Gundogan’s significant contribution to Man City, director of football Hugo Viana said: “Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City. 

“He brought trophy upon trophy back to the Etihad and no-one will ever forget the huge role he played in those successes.   

“But more than the footballer, having got to know him since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a fantastic person - humble, intelligent and selfless - truly fantastic human qualities. 

“It may now be time for him to say goodbye, but we will never forget his legacy here at Manchester City.

“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career, and he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”

Gundogan is the third player to leave Man City since the summer transfer window in England closes at 7pm on Monday after goalkeeper Ederson and defender Manuel Akanji, who have joined Fenerbahce and Inter Milan respectively.