Manchester, Sep 3 (AP) Ilkay Gundogan has completed a transfer from Manchester City to Galatasaray, concluding his second tenure with the Premier League team.
The former Germany international has signed a two-year deal with the Turkish champions, Galatasaray, becoming the latest high-profile addition to their squad this transfer window, following the signings of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane.
Gundogan had a successful stint at City, contributing to their victories in five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four English League Cups, and the Champions League during his initial spell with the club. He left for Barcelona in 2023 but returned a year later, unable to prevent City from experiencing their first trophyless season in eight years.
"Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” Gundogan expressed in City’s announcement. “We have enjoyed so much success in our time together, and there have been unforgettable moments, not least being captain for the treble-winning season.”
His exit — on a free transfer — follows Pep Guardiola’s revamp of his once dominant squad, with nine players having joined since January.
The 34-year-old Gundogan did not feature in any of City's three Premier League fixtures this season and was relegated down the hierarchy after the arrivals of midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez in recent months.
During his trophy-rich period at City, Gundogan captained the team that achieved a treble of trophies in 2023 — the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. The prior year, he was instrumental in a pivotal match, scoring twice on the final day of the season against Aston Villa, securing a dramatic 3-2 comeback to win the title.
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, praised Gundogan's contributions to the club at the Etihad.
“Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City,” Viana stated. “He brought trophy upon trophy back to the Etihad, and the significant role he played in our successes will forever be remembered.”
"It may now be time for him to say goodbye," Viana continued, “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.”
Gundogan, who has Turkish ancestry, reflected, "lifting the Champions League trophy for this club for the first time, particularly in Istanbul, is a memory that will remain with me forever. I have no doubt that Manchester City will continue to enjoy success in the future, and I will certainly follow their achievements from afar as I pursue my career in Turkey, a country that holds immense significance for me.”
Gundogan was Guardiola’s inaugural signing at City when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. (AP) AM AM AM
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