Leroy Sane ‘has informed’ Galatasaray he is unhappy amid Rafael Leao competition | OneFootball

Leroy Sane has informed Galatasaray officials he is unhappy with his reduced role in Türkiye, Sabah reports. The discontent comes despite an unbeaten start, with Okan Buruk’s side on 10 points from four Super Lig matches.

The 30-year-old, a free transfer from Bayern Munich in July 2025 and among the club’s highest earners, has seen his status slide after Okan Buruk’s summer overhaul. He is reluctant to accept an impact substitute role.

Sane started the opening league game against Corum FK on 14 August. He then lost his place for the next two fixtures, with Yunus Akgun preferred out wide. He came on after 65 minutes against Erzurumspor and had only 17 minutes in the narrow win over Goztepe.

He returned to the XI against Istanbul Basaksehir yesterday and lasted 82 minutes. Galatasaray won 3-2, but Sane produced neither a goal nor an assist before being replaced by Deniz Gul.

A lack of rhythm has prompted sharp criticism in the Turkish media. Veteran pundit Levent Tuzemen questioned his attitude, even suggesting Sane did not merit the shirt on current application.

His reduced role follows the marquee signing of Rafael Leao for a reported €43m from AC Milan. Leao’s lock on the left flank has often pushed Baris Alper Yilmaz to the right, directly challenging Sane’s preferred position.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”