Galatasaray have pulled off a headline-grabbing move by signing German midfielder İlkay Gündoğan on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The 34-year-old has penned a deal with the Turkish champions that runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, bringing his glittering European career full circle.

Gündoğan, who had a year left on his City contract, was allowed to leave after the Premier League side sanctioned his exit, taking advantage of the Turkish transfer window remaining open until September 12.

İlkay Gündoğan Emotional farewell to City

The midfielder leaves Manchester with a trophy-laden legacy and fond memories of his time under Pep Guardiola.

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gündoğan said. “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.”

He added that lifting the Champions League trophy in Istanbul — his parents’ homeland — will forever be a career highlight.

“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.”

A decorated career heads to Turkey

Gündoğan first arrived at City in 2016 as Guardiola’s inaugural signing and went on to enjoy a decorated spell that saw him win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the 2023 Champions League.

He briefly left for Barcelona in 2023 before rejoining City last summer, featuring in 33 league matches during the 2024-25 campaign.

City’s director of football Hugo Viana hailed his contribution: “İlkay Gündoğan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City. We will never forget his legacy here.”

A homecoming of sorts

For Galatasaray, this signing carries more than just footballing significance. The midfielder, born in Germany to Turkish parents, returns to his family roots and will now wear the yellow and red of one of Turkey’s most historic clubs.

The move also sends a strong statement of intent as the Istanbul giants look to strengthen their squad for both domestic dominance and European competition.