Galatasaray close to signing Man City midfielder, Citizens have already said yes to exit
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Credit: Imago / Getty Images
Ben Palmer
Mon 1 September 2025 17:29, UK
Galatasaray are in advanced talks to sign a Man City star on the final day of the transfer window.
The Turkish giants have had a busy summer, which has included signing one-time Man United target Victor Osimhen from Napoli and former Sky Blue Leroy Sane on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola’s side has been similarly active, overhauling much of the squad that finished a disappointing third last season.
Tijjani Reijnders was the headline arrival from AC Milan, and the Dutchman has been joined at the Etihad by the likes of Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and James Trafford.
However, one of City’s best players during the Premier League era may be calling time on his career in Manchester, for a second time.
Credit: Imago
Man City extended Ilkay Gundogan’s contract in April 2025, as it was due to expire this summer.
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However, the Germany international’s new deal was only a year long, meaning that unless the Sky Blues sell him in this window, he will be able to depart for free in 2026.
Fabrizio Romano reports on X that Galatasaray are “in advanced talks to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Man City.”
The Italian journalist added: “Initial proposal submitted to Gündogan who’s assessing options ahead of Man City exit.
Deal on.”
Gundogan had been linked with a move to Galatasaray earlier in the summer, with Cherki and Reijnder’s arrivals diminishing his role at the Etihad.
The German-born midfielder has Turkish parents and Gundogan is believed to be keen on a move to Galatasaray to play for the Super Lig champions.
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Guardiola has time-and-time-again returned to using Gundogan as a mainstay in his starting line-up, despite the former Barcelona man’s obvious dip in ability.
Hindered by injuries in the early stages of his career, the 34-year-old blossomed in Manchester by offering a high-level of performance, no matter the position he was played in.
However, the moves to sign various attacking midfield options, and the fact that Gundogan is yet to feature this season, suggest that Guardiola is desperately trying to wean himself off his reliance on the ex-Borussia Dortmund star.
(Credit Imago)
But off the pitch, Gundogan will once again be difficult to replace.
The midfielder has been a consummate professional during his time at the Etihad.
The 34-year-old has captained City on numerous occasions and without his late-season bursts in form, the Sky Blues may struggle if he does depart.