No desire for Bayern: That’s why Sané opted for Galatasaray | OneFootball

Leroy Sané’s free transfer from FC Bayern to Galatasaray Istanbul was one of the biggest surprises of last summer. Now, player agent George Gardi, who was involved in the deal, has given a deeper insight into the background for the first time – and reveals why Sané chose to move to the Süper Lig despite numerous lucrative offers.

Leroy Sané wore the FC Bayern shirt for five years before making a decision in the summer that took the European transfer market by surprise: a free transfer to Galatasaray Istanbul.

George Gardi now confirms that the deal was anything but a foregone conclusion. The Italian player agent had been working behind the scenes for months on the signing and revealed in an interview with Sky that Sané was more sought-after than ever before: „He had offers from top clubs in England and Germany. He had a huge offer from Saudi Arabia.“

FC Bayern also wanted to extend Sané’s contract and offered the winger a new deal, but the DFB star turned it down. Gardi describes the poker game as extremely complex – also because the 2026 World Cup was an important factor for Sané.

Early contact – and a clear plan from Galatasaray

photo: IMAGO

According to Gardi, the idea of bringing Sané to Istanbul came about long before the transfer window opened: „The idea was born many months before the transfer window. I knew he was needed to take the team to the next level.“

Gardi initially contacted Sané’s advisors at the time and later also sought an exchange with his new advisor Pini Zahavi. The talks lasted many weeks – and were characterized by patience, persuasion and strategic timing.

Why Sané opted for Galatasaray

In the end, it wasn’t money or prestige that tipped the scales – but sporting and emotional reasons. Sané saw Galatasaray as the perfect mix of role, appreciation and prospects.

According to Gardi, three points were particularly convincing: Sané was to become the face of the new team – a central building block for the coming season. The talks with Gala coach Orkan Buruk were also important. The coach made it unmistakably clear how important Sané would be for the playing system. Last but not least, the extraordinary fan love also played a major role. Istanbul offered him an appreciation „that he would not have received elsewhere“.

From the Turkish champions‘ point of view, the signing was a coup. Gardi categorizes the transfer accordingly: „The transfer is a huge success. We worked together brilliantly as a team to bring in such an important player.“