Galatasaray and Manchester City agree on terms of Ilkay Gundogan transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City have now accepted the terms of Ilkay Gundogan’s exit from the Etihad Stadium with Galatasaray awaiting his arrival in Turkey.

The midfielder’s departure has been in the works for several weeks, with both clubs pushing discussions forward in the closing stages of the transfer window, and beyond the deadline for signings by clubs in England.

Ilkay Gundogan’s exit brings an end to his second stint with Manchester City, following his dramatic return last summer after a year at FC Barcelona, and comes at a time when Pep Guardiola continues to reshape his squad for the future.

Previous reporting had already revealed Galatasaray’s ambition to pull off a marquee signing before the UEFA Champions League registration deadline. The Turkish champions had initially been in talks with City over a broader package that also included Manuel Akanji and Ederson, but it is Gundogan who has emerged as the only player of the three to make the move.

At 34 years old, Gundogan offers Galatasaray not only leadership but also European experience, with the club aiming to compete strongly in both domestic and continental football. The midfielder’s time at the Etihad as a whole has been defined by silverware, key goals, and a reputation as one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants.

Now, according to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, there is a total agreement in place between Galatasaray and Manchester City for central midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, with the move to be a free transfer.

The 34-year-old is now reportedly on his way to Istanbul to complete various medical checks and sign his new contract, which will run until the summer of 2027.

While the summer transfer window in Turkey remains open for several more days, it is highlighted that Galatasaray are ‘under pressure’ as they want to register Ilkay Gundogan for their UEFA Champions League – where there is a deadline of Tuesday night.

For Manchester City, the deal represents another significant change to their midfield structure following the additions of Rayan Cherki, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders earlier this year, while Gundogan’s exit frees up further space in Guardiola’s squad.

Looking ahead, attention may turn to how Gundogan fits into Galatasaray’s system, with his technical ability and composure in possession likely invaluable as Okan Buruk prepares his side for the demands of the Champions League league phase – where they will face Manchester City away from home later this year.

From City’s perspective, the spotlight shifts back to the new season, and how Guardiola will revive his playing squad off the back of high-profile exits on transfer deadline day such as Manuel Akanji to Inter and Ederson to Fenerbahce, as well as the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG.

Manchester City will return to action following the ongoing international break with a home Premier League clash against bitter nearby rivals Manchester United, before hosting Napoli on matchday one of the Champions League, and then visiting Arsenal.