Ilkay Gundogan joins Galatasaray on free transfer from Manchester City | OneFootball

One year on from re-joining the club, Ilkay Gundogan has now formally departed Manchester City on a second successive free transfer in his career.

The German midfielder leaves the Etihad Stadium for a second time, having played two separate spells with Pep Guardiola’s side, initially joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, becoming Pep Guardiola’s first signing.

Across his two stints at Manchester City, Gundogan went on to make 358 appearances, scoring 65 goals. He lifted 14 trophies in his first spell alone, including captaining the club to an historic Treble in 2023.

Gundogan famously produced some of City’s most iconic moments, from his dramatic brace against Aston Villa in May 2022 to secure the Premier League title, to his lightning-fast strike in the 2023 FA Cup Final that set the tone for an all-Manchester showpiece.

Having left on a free transfer to join Barcelona after that Treble season, he returned to Manchester for the 2024/25 campaign before deciding on a fresh challenge in Turkey this summer.

His second departure brings an end to what City officials and supporters alike view as a legendary contribution to the club’s modern history. While his return last season brought experience to a squad that endured a challenging year, the arrivals of younger midfielders such as Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez meant Gundogan’s long-term role was under review.

Now, as confirmed by Manchester City on Tuesday, Ilkay Gundogan has brought an end to his second stay at the Etihad Stadium by joining Galatasaray, in a transfer that is understood to have come at no cost in terms of a transfer fee to the Turkish giants.

Issuing comment to Manchester City’s official club website following his exit from the club, Gundogan said, “Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. We have enjoyed so much success in our time together and there have been so many unforgettable moments not least being captain for the Treble-winning season.

“To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this Club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever.

“I have no doubts Manchester City will enjoy much more success in the future and I will certainly be watching on from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that means ever such a lot to me.”

Offering his reaction, sporting director Hugo Viana said, “Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City. He brought trophy upon trophy back to the Etihad and no-one will ever forget the huge role he played in those successes.

“But more than the footballer, having got to know him since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a fantastic person – humble, intelligent and selfless – truly fantastic human qualities. It may now be time for him to say goodbye, but we will never forget his legacy here at Manchester City.

“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career. And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”

Looking ahead, Galatasaray will move quickly to register Gundogan for their Champions League squad before the looming deadline. Reports in Germany last week noted the Turkish club were under pressure to complete the paperwork in time, making this announcement a timely one for both player and club.

For City, Gundogan’s departure closes a chapter on one of the most influential leaders in their modern era. While the club are already well stocked in midfield, the loss of such an experienced figure could further shift responsibility onto the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic (once fit), and emerging starlets such as Nico O’Reilly.

Supporters will no doubt continue to debate whether City could have offered Gundogan another extended role, but his return to Turkey appears motivated by both sentiment and opportunity.

Having lifted the UEFA Champions League in Istanbul just two years ago, Ilkay Gundogan now prepares to embark on a new adventure in the same city, this time donning Galatasaray’s famous red and yellow.