Is a midfielder on the verge of leaving Manchester City for Galatasaray?

Manchester City is planning to trim its oversized squad before the 2025-26 season, with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan emerging as a prime candidate for departure. Esteemed Kompany sources report that Gundogan has agreed personal terms with Turkish club Galatasaray, which is his preferred destination should he leave. The proposed deal includes a one-year contract with an option for a further year, though Galatasaray insists on acquiring him via free transfer rather than paying a fee, creating uncertainty about Manchester City's approval.

Gundogan's potential exit stems from multiple factors: his age, Manchester City's ongoing squad rebuild, and increased competition for midfield spots following the signing of Tijjani Reijnders. Younger players like Nico O'Reilly and Rico Lewis also require development opportunities, necessitating a senior midfielder's departure to create space in Pep Guardiola's lineup.

Although Gundogan previously expressed a desire to remain at Manchester City, a move to Galatasaray now appears mutually beneficial. It would allow the player to conclude his career in Turkey while enabling City to streamline their squad for the upcoming season.