02.09.2025 23:40
Galatasaray's İlkay Gündoğan, who joined the team from Manchester City, has arrived in Istanbul to sign the official contract. Expressing his happiness, İlkay said, "I am a Galatasaray fan, and my family is too. I have always followed the team. It is a proud day for us. Galatasaray has been my childhood dream. Wearing this jersey was a dream of mine, and it has come true today. I can't express my happiness right now."
The Super Lig giant Galatasaray has reached a happy ending in their midfield transfer with İlkay Gündoğan, who wore the Manchester City jersey.
HE ARRIVED IN ISTANBUL
The plane carrying İlkay Gündoğan, whom Galatasaray has reached an agreement with, arrived in Istanbul at 16:00. The star player will sign the official contract after undergoing medical checks.
FIRST STATEMENTS FROM İLKAY
After arriving in Istanbul, İlkay Gündoğan made his first statements at the airport.
Stating that he has fulfilled his childhood dream, İlkay Gündoğan said, 'It was meant to be today. I am very excited. I am a big Galatasaray fan, and my family is too. I have always followed them. It is a proud day for us. Galatasaray is my childhood dream. Wearing this jersey was my dream, and it has come true today. I cannot express my happiness right now. As a family, we are very happy and proud. I have come to my home, and it is an honor to be a part of the Galatasaray community.'
'THERE WERE OFFERS BUT I DIDN'T LOOK AT THEM WARMLY'
İlkay, who mentioned that he had other offers besides Galatasaray, said, 'There were offers, but I didn't look at them warmly. We started discussions with Galatasaray at the end of May and the beginning of June. It was necessary to wait a bit. There were transfers for Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane. I last spoke with Sane two weeks ago; we are good friends and play well together. I spoke with Okan Buruk two days ago. Then everything developed quickly. I am also looking forward to meeting him.'
A 2-YEAR CONTRACT WILL BE SIGNED
The yellow-reds will sign İlkay Gündoğan until 2027. The experienced midfielder will earn an annual salary of 5 million euros. Cimbom will also not pay a transfer fee to Manchester City for this transfer.
HE WILL PLAY AS A LOCAL PLAYER
İlkay will not be considered a foreign player due to having chosen the German National Team before 2015, and he will be able to play as a local player.
SEASON PERFORMANCE
This season, the star player has played in 4 matches with Manchester City, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist in these matches.