‘Gundogan wants to play for Galatasaray, may leave Man City for nothing’
Man City could begin the 2025/26 campaign without Ilkay Gundogan as Galatasaray take an interest in the veteran midfielder.
The 34-year-old re-joined the Citizens on a free transfer last summer following a single season with Barcelona, having previously been at the club from 2016 to 2023.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola‘s first-ever signing after being appointed back in 2016, moving from Borussia Dortmund in a £21million deal [Sky Sports], though it was another few months of recovery before he made his debut.
Now, 355 appearances, 63 goals, and 43 assists later, the midfield maestro looks set to leave the Citizens for a second time, with the player’s view on the potential move emerging.
Ilkay Gundogan wants Galatasaray move
According to The Guardian (20 June), Galatasaray are considering a move for Gundogan, with the midfielder said to have “a desire” to make a switch to Turkey as he enters into the final year of his contract.
The German international’s one-year extension was triggered last term, yet it is understood that he could still be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with game time likely limited next season.
With his parents being born in Turkey, it is believed that Gundogan would like to play for the current Turkish Super Lig champions, who even enquired about his availability in the winter transfer window.
Pep Guardiola begins drastic Man City rebuild
Football Insider verdict
Gundogan’s potential exit is just another emotional parting following Kevin De Bruyne‘s free transfer to Napoli this summer, with several new signings already being made at the Etihad Stadium.
Mick Brown told Football Insider at the start of the month that Gundogan could be one of seven key Man City players to leave this summer, and that chain of exits could be about to continue.
Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, who was persuaded not to join Liverpool, according to Stefan Borson, have both made their debuts already at the Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is yet to make his debut, but it is clear that the Citizens mean serious business after a dreadful 2024/25 campaign, only just qualifying for the Champions League and not winning silverware.
It was a very difficult season for all involved in Manchester, and if the squad is to get back to winning ways, it appears that a total shift in players must happen for the manager to be happy.
Of course, several new signings mean the potential for multiple long-term servants to leave the club over the coming weeks, so it could be quite an emotional summer for the supporters.