Ilkay Gundogan has joined Turkish champions Galatasaray after leaving Manchester City on a free transfer, Afrosport reports.
The 34-year-old Germany international still had a year left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium but was allowed to bring it to an end much earlier.
Gundogan initially joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 before moving to Barcelona in 2023. He returned ahead for the 2024-25 campaign and made a combined 358 appearances across the two spells, scoring 65 goals, providing 47 assists and winning 14 trophies, including captaining City to the historic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in 20223.
He wrote a farewell statement to City fans on X which read: “Dear Cityzens, I want to be honest with you… the reason why I’m leaving is very simple: I still want to play football as often as possible, because that’s what I love the most.
“I’ll turn 35 soon, but I still feel very fit and I truly believe I can continue to perform at a high level for a Champions League team.
“And not just that – I now have the opportunity to join my childhood favourite club, in a country that means so much to me.
“Man City want a new beginning after an incredible era – something I can fully understand and respect. I will never, ever forget what this great club has done for me over so many years.
“Most of my time here was absolutely fantastic and incredibly successful. The club and the city of Manchester will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
Welcome to your home, @IlkayGuendogan 🟡🔴#GundoIsHere pic.twitter.com/cHyTO89JBb
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) September 2, 2025
Gundogan has signed a two-year deal with Galatasaray until the end of the 2026-27 season and will earn €4.5 million per year.
He is the seventh signing for the reigning Turkish Super Lig champions after Leroy Sane, Ismail Jakobs, Przemysław Frankowski, Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Singo and Ugurcan Cakır
