Ilkay Gundogan ‘could quit Man City‘ as ‘astonishing’ rival deal agreed
Ilkay Gundogan could quit Manchester City this summer after an “astonishing” deal has been agreed.
The retired Germany international originally left Man City to join Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023, but he returned just 12 months later on a two-year deal.
Gundogan has been linked with Galatasaray this summer as his role at the Etihad Stadium could be set to diminish following the arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.
Galatasaray have pulled off two blockbuster signings in recent weeks after securing deals for Victor Osimhen and former Man City favourite Leroy Sane.
Osimhen, who spent last season on loan with the Turkish giants, has now completed a permanent move to Istanbul from Napoli for £64.8million, while his salary is worth €16million (£13.9million) net.
That suggests Galatasaray would be able to offer Gundogan a lucrative salary to join them this summer.
The 34-year-old registered five goals and eight assists in 54 appearances last season.
Galatasaray would pay Ilkay Gundogan huge salary
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Gundogan appears to be one of multiple players Pep Guardiola would be prepared to move on this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “Kalvin Phillips is a free transfer for somebody, again probably with a subsidy.
“It’s been a disastrous signing. There is no two ways about it. It’s been a near complete write-off, so that is a bad one for City.
“Then there are the fringe players. There are some of the older guys. I think they would probably quite like to sell one or two of the older midfield players.
“Kovacic, who’s just had an operation, and Gundogan, so there’s potential there, particularly with Gundogan to Turkey. We know that they’ve had a very busy summer so far.
“There are some favourable tax rules. It’s not quite clear exactly how those rules work, but they’re definitely favourable to the players, as highlighted by the Osimhen announcement, where it was confirmed that he’ll be getting €16million net.
“That is the equivalent of £500,000 a week in the UK before tax, so it’s an astonishing deal. On top of that, he’s getting another €5million (£4.3million) of image rights.
“So, the likelihood is that one of the Istanbul clubs may be able to stretch for Gundogan and pay him what he wants. I think he probably would go.
“I wonder whether maybe he would also go to Saudi Arabia. It’s also not impossible he would go there.”
Tottenham set sights on signing Man City star
In terms of another potential exit at the Etihad, former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Tottenham have set their sights on signing Jack Grealish.
Having now been cast out of Guardiola’s squad, there is no shortage of interest in the England international, but the finances involved are a potential stumbling block.
Grealish is believed to be on in excess of £300,000 a week at the Etihad, with his deal set to run until 2027.
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