Galatasaray Secure Ilkay Gündoğan on Free Transfer from Manchester City

Galatasaray have confirmed the signing of German midfielder Ilkay Gündoğan from Manchester City on a free transfer. The 34-year-old has agreed a contract with the Turkish champions that runs until the end of the 2026/27 season.

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Gündoğan, who made 358 appearances across two spells with the club, scoring 65 goals. “We enjoyed so much success together and shared so many unforgettable moments, not least captaining the team during the Treble-winning season.

“To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me, but being given the honour of lifting the Champions League trophy for this club for the very first time, especially in Istanbul, will stay with me forever.

“I have no doubt that Manchester City will continue to achieve great success, and I will certainly be following their journey from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that means so much to me.”

Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Gündoğan became Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City in 2016. He spent seven years at the Etihad before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023. He rejoined City in August 2024 and made 33 Premier League appearances last season, as Guardiola’s side finished third.

During his time with the club, Gündoğan won the Premier League five times and lifted the Champions League trophy in 2022/23. He also represented Bochum, Nürnberg and Borussia Dortmund, winning the Bundesliga with Dortmund in 2012.

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

Galatasaray confirmed that no transfer fee was involved. “A contract has been signed with the player, valid until the end of the 2026/27 season,” the club said in a statement.

The former Germany international, who won 82 caps and captained the national side, will now link up with his former international teammate Leroy Sané in Turkey, as Galatasaray prepare for their Champions League campaign.