Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Ilkay Gundogan Transfer Update: Manchester City Star Midfielder Poised for Galatasaray Switch

Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Manchester City Star Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan seems to be on his way out of the club. Reportedly, Galatasaray are in advanced negotiations to sign the German veteran. The 34-year-old only returned to City last summer after a season at Barcelona.

Reportedly, Gundogan is seriously considering another move away from City another time. According to renowned journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Turkish champions have already presented their initial proposal to Gundogan’s representatives.

🚨🟡🔴 BREAKING: Galatasaray and Man City have agreed deal for Ilkay Gündogan.

He’s leaving the club with authorization by City, waiting on player’s approval to two year contract.

Gala are preparing his travel if Gündo accepts. pic.twitter.com/U8RLhL00tF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025

The transfer window in Turkey will remain open until September 11. It will give Galatasaray time to finalize the deal. Okan Buruk’s side, unbeaten in their first four league games, are keen to add Gundogan to a squad. They have already brought on big names like Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane.

Both of them have the opportunity to play regular football and remain in the Champions League. This has made the move appealing for Gundogan as well. Galatasaray are optimistic about sealing the deal in the coming weeks as they aim to strengthen their grip on the Super Lig title race.

Also Read: Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan Confirmed: Transfer Details Revealed

End of an Era for Ilkay Gundogan

Gundogan has been a key figure at the Etihad. He has made 358 appearances and won five Premier League titles, along with a Champions League trophy. His return to City came with an initial one-year deal. It came with an extension for another season this summer.

However, competition in midfield has intensified with the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders and the presence of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Nico Gonzalez. Despite his experience and leadership, Gundogan has yet to feature this season. He was left out of recent matchday squads.

Also Read: Gianluigi Donnarumma Manchester City Contract Details

Last season, he registered one goal and seven assists in 33 Premier League games. It was a visible dip from his earlier influential campaigns. Manchester City appear ready to sanction his exit as Pep Guardiola is reshaping the squad with younger talent. Speaking earlier about squad size, Guardiola said:

“I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad]. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.” A switch to Galatasaray would also reunite Gundogan with his Turkish roots. He will face City soon when Galatasaray face them in the Champions League league phase in January.

Galatasaray

Ilkay Gundogan

Manchester City

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.