11.10.2026 21:06
At Galatasaray, head coach Okan Buruk has given up on experienced midfielder İlkay Gündoğan. The yellow-reds are planning to part ways with the experienced player in January. Gündoğan, who could not get a chance to play, has managed only 11 minutes of playing time this season.
As the mid-season transfer window approaches at Galatasaray, planned changes in the squad and the names set to depart have begun to become clear.
WILL PART WAYS WITH İLKAY
Experienced midfielder İlkay Gündoğan, whom head coach Okan Buruk did not include in his squad planning, is expected to part ways with the club in January.
HE COULD NOT FIND A CHANCE TO PLAY
The 35-year-old veteran player, who was able to get only 11 minutes in total this season for the yellow-red team, fell behind in Okan Buruk's preferences. The choice of young player Renato Nhaga in the Kasımpaşa match was interpreted as a clear message about the technical staff's decision on İlkay Gündoğan. Parting ways with the experienced player is seen as certain.
HIS STATEMENTS AFTER THE MATCH DREW ATTENTION
On the other hand, İlkay Gündoğan's reproachful response to the question "Are you ready for the Barcelona match?" asked in the mixed zone after the match, saying "I'm not playing, so why would I be ready," had drawn attention. Similarly, the player's wife, Sara Gündoğan, had previously stated, "If you want to ask why he isn't playing, ask your coach, not me."