Ilkay Gundogan Leaves Manchester City On Free Transfer, Joins...

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 07:46 IST

Ilkay Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's first signing for Manchester City in 2016 and spent seven years there before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.

Ilkay Gundogan is a five-time Premier League winner. (AFP Photo)

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan signed for Galatasaray from Manchester City on Tuesday on a free transfer, as announced by both clubs. The 34-year-old has committed to a deal with the Turkish champions until the end of the 2026-27 season.

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart," said Gundogan, who played 358 games in two stints at City, scoring 65 goals. “We have enjoyed so much success together and there have been many unforgettable moments, especially being captain during the Treble-winning season. Winning the Premier League and FA Cup trophies was very meaningful to me, and lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time for the club in Istanbul is an experience I will always cherish. I am confident Manchester City will continue to succeed, and I will be watching from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that holds great significance for me."

Born in Germany to Turkish parents, Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City in 2016 and spent seven years with the club before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023. He returned to City in August 2024 and made 33 appearances in the Premier League last season, contributing to Guardiola’s side finishing third.

During his time at City, Gundogan won the Premier League five times and the Champions League in the 2022-23 season. He previously played for Bochum, Nuremberg, and Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga title in 2012.

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

Galatasaray, who have qualified for the Champions League, confirmed that no transfer fee was paid. “A contract has been signed with the player, valid until the end of the 2026/27 season," stated Galatasaray. The 82-times capped former Germany international and captain will play alongside former German national teammate Leroy Sane in Turkey.

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

Istanbul (Turkey)

First Published:

September 03, 2025, 07:46 IST

News sports Ilkay Gundogan Leaves Manchester City On Free Transfer, Joins...

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