Stefan Borson: This is how much Ilkay Gundogan is being paid after Man City exit
Ilkay Gundogan is being paid around £150,000 a week after leaving Manchester City for Galatasaray.
Football Insider revealed on 11 August Gundogan wanted to stay at Man City following interest from the Turkish side.
However, Gundogan has now joined Galatasaray on a free transfer after learning his opportunities would be limited under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium this season.
The 34-year-old, who returned to Man City in the summer of 2024 from Barcelona, failed to make an appearance in the opening three games of the new campaign.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the midfielder has agreed a “brilliant” deal with Galatasaray.
Galatasaray match Ilkay Gundogan’s Man City wages
Guardiola wants to work with a smaller squad this season after being forced to leave multiple players out of the team in the 2024-25 campaign.
Although Gundogan made 54 appearances last season, his minutes were likely to be reduced following the signing of Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri’s return from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “The deal they did last year was a one-year deal that was triggered by a certain number of appearances, and obviously he played a lot last season, especially towards the end of the season when City were in their difficult recovery patch, where they wanted stability, so Pep played him.
“I think regardless of the fact that it triggered the contract, which is fine, City’s priority is winning on the pitch.
“I don’t think it was a big surprise that when it came to the end of the summer, they were saying you’re not going to play very much, you’re on quite big money, and maybe you can find yourself a move.
“We know what he’s being paid at Galatasaray, right? I suspect he’s being paid pretty much the same as he got paid at City. So, he’s being paid €4.5million (£3.9million) for the two years.
“City obviously wouldn’t offer him another year next season. So, for a guy of his age, it’s a brilliant contract. It’s €4.5million net, so the equivalent in the UK of about £8million, and about £150,000 a week.
“It’s a lot of money for a player for two years as well, so I think it’s a great move for him.
“For City, it’s a good saving on the wages, which they need to do because I think the wage bill has got a little bit out of control over the last two or three years.
“The deal makes a lot of sense.”
Man City to ask questions of Pep Guardiola
Recruitment expert Mick Brown told Football Insider Man City will be asking questions of Guardiola following his side’s difficult start to the new season.
The Manchester giants beat Wolves 4-0 on the opening day of the campaign.
However, they have since lost back-to-back matches against Tottenham and Brighton, leaving them trailing reigning champions Liverpool by six points.
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