11.11.2026 11:42
A surprise transfer claim has been put forward for İlkay Gündoğan, who is struggling to find playing time at Galatasaray. It was claimed that Başakşehir is interested in the 36-year-old star footballer, whose contract with the yellow-reds expires at the end of the season. It was stated that the possibility of İlkay, who has been able to get only 74 minutes of playing time this season, leaving the team during the winter break has strengthened.
With the mid-season transfer window approaching at Galatasaray, a striking development took place regarding İlkay Gündoğan's future. While it is being discussed that the experienced midfielder, who has not found the playing time he wanted since the start of the season, could leave the yellow-and-red team, it was claimed that Süper Lig side Başakşehir intervened.
BAŞAKŞEHİR WANTS İLKAY GÜNDOĞAN
It was stated that İlkay Gündoğan, whose contract with Galatasaray ends at the end of the season, could leave the team during the mid-season break. It was expressed that Başakşehir, which is interested in the transfer of the 36-year-old footballer, wants to add the experienced midfielder to its squad.
İlkay, who was stated not to be warm to the Saudi Arabia option at this stage, was reported not to prioritize financial conditions in his transfer decision. If the clubs reach an agreement, the star footballer could continue his career at Başakşehir without changing his routine in Istanbul.
“WHY SHOULD I BE READY? I'M NOT PLAYING”
İlkay Gündoğan, who could not get enough playing time at Galatasaray, had drawn attention with his statement before the Barcelona match. When asked, “Are you ready for the Barcelona match?”, the experienced footballer had replied, “Why should I be ready? I'm not playing.” After İlkay's words, head coach Okan Buruk also made assessments on the matter.
OKAN BURUK: I AM VERY PLEASED WITH İLKAY
Okan Buruk, stating that the experienced footballer's statements should not be misinterpreted, had used the following expressions:
“Things like this... I came from playing football. We have all experienced these things. Players are not robots; they are all human. He hasn't played, he warmed up on the sidelines and didn't get into the game either. If you were a person at that age and with that professionalism, you would be upset. One shouldn't dwell too much on such things. İlkay always gives the best performance in training. We shouldn't misunderstand; it is a human sadness, that sadness can always happen. One shouldn't dwell on this. I am very pleased with İlkay.”
A STATEMENT CAME FROM İLKAY GÜNDOĞAN
İlkay Gündoğan also stated that his words were misunderstood and said he wanted to play.
The experienced footballer used the following expressions: “There was a misunderstanding there. If I weren't ready, if I didn't prove myself in every training session, I couldn't be in the match squad, and it would be wrong for me to be included. Wherever it is, away or at home, I go to every match, whether I play or not. We are footballers too; we want to play. I haven't had playing time for a long time. I am trying not to lose morale.”
HE PLAYED ONLY 74 MINUTES IN 5 MATCHES
İlkay Gündoğan, who took part in 5 matches for Galatasaray this season, remained on the pitch for a total of 74 minutes. The experienced midfielder's limited playing time strengthened the claims that he could leave the team during the mid-season break. Despite Başakşehir's interest, there is not yet an official agreement regarding the transfer.