Ilkay Gundogan leaves again! Man City confirm departure of legendary midfielder to boyhood club Galatasaray on free transfer one year after re-signing from Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan Manchester City 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of club legend Ilkay Gundogan, who has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer just one year after returning to the Etihad from Barcelona.

WHAT HAPPENED?

City have officially announced that Gundogan has left the club, with the 34-year-old midfielder sealing a switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Talks had been ongoing for several weeks, with Galatasaray pushing hard to land a marquee signing before their window shuts. The former Germany international leaves the Etihad for a second time, having re-signed from Barcelona in 2024 after his initial seven-year stint in Manchester. He will now continue his career with his boyhood club in Istanbul, penning a deal until the summer of 2027.

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WHAT GUNDOGAN SAID

Speaking on his exit, Gundogan said: "We have enjoyed so much success in our time together and there have been so many unforgettable moments, not least being captain for the Treble-winning season. To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this Club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever. I have no doubts Manchester City will enjoy much more success in the future and I will certainly be watching on from afar as I continue my career in Turkiye, a country that means ever such a lot to me."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gundogan departs as one of City’s most decorated and influential midfielders, winning five Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and multiple domestic cups under Pep Guardiola. His leadership, goals and technical quality made him a key figure in City’s era of dominance, and his exit comes as Guardiola continues a midfield rebuild following the arrivals of Rayan Cherki, Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders.

Ilkay Gundogan Manchester City 2024

DID YOU KNOW?

Gundogan was born in Gelsenkirchen to Turkish parents and grew up supporting Galatasaray, making this move a return to his boyhood club.

WHAT NEXT FOR GUNDOGAN?

Gundogan is expected to be registered in time to be a part of Galatasaray’s Champions League campaign, which includes a clash with his former club Manchester City in early 2026.