Manchester City Open to Midfielder Exit as Galatasaray Circle | OneFootball

Ilkay Gündogan’s Potential Galatasaray Switch Could Mark Poetic Return

Fresh Midfield Faces Leave Gündogan Marginalised

As reported by The Guardian, Galatasaray are considering a move for Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündogan, and City are said to be open to a transfer for the 34-year-old midfielder. It would mark a fitting move for a player of Turkish heritage, potentially returning to a country whose footballing culture runs in his blood.

City reportedly resisted a winter window approach from the Turkish champions. At the time, Pep Guardiola still relied on Gündogan’s experience. But the summer landscape has shifted. With the additions of Nico González in February and Tijjani Reijnders this window, and Rodri returning from injury, competition in midfield is fierce. Mateo Kovacic is also expected to be fit again in mid-September.

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End of an Era at City?

Despite triggering a one-year extension based on appearances last season, Gündogan could now be granted a free transfer. His time on the pitch may be limited, and City may view his departure as a respectful gesture to a loyal servant of the club.

Roots and Realities

Gündogan’s links to Turkey are more than symbolic. “The German, whose parents were born in Turkey, is believed to have a desire to play for Galatasaray, the Super Lig champions.” The allure of finishing his career in Istanbul, leading a title defence, and mentoring emerging talents could outweigh any sentimental ties to the Premier League.

A Voice of Wisdom in a Youth-Obsessed Game

The former Germany international remains defiant about his place in the modern game. “There seems to be a trend at the moment in football where people are saying: ‘This player is too old,’ or: ‘Another one cannot run any more.’”

“You need experienced players on the pitch. I know that when I was 18 or 19 I was looking up to those experienced players… Sometimes you don’t have to work harder but work smarter.”

It is a powerful sentiment from a midfielder who has always played with intelligence and composure. Gündogan may no longer be essential for City, but for Galatasaray, he could become priceless.

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This report will send ripples of excitement across Istanbul. If Galatasaray can lure Ilkay Gündogan back to his roots, it would be a landmark signing and one that blends legacy with leadership. His calm on the ball, positional understanding, and goals from midfield would elevate the squad’s technical level instantly.

There is a genuine buzz about what Gündogan could bring. Younger players like Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Barış Alper Yılmaz would learn from watching his every move, both on and off the pitch. “Just by watching what they did – and how they did it – I learned,” Gündogan said, and now he could be that figure for the next generation.

Beyond the tactical benefits, this is also emotional. A German-born Turk returning to lead one of the biggest sides in the country carries poetic weight. After a decorated Premier League and Champions League career, this isn’t a retirement stop. It is a chance to write one final, defining chapter.

If City let him go for free, it will be a gracious parting gesture. For Galatasaray fans, it could be the transfer of the summer.