Leroy Sane has explained why he opted to join Galatasaray this summer, despite interest from Arsenal and a contract extension offer to stay with Bayern Munich.
Leroy Sane after arriving to sign for Galatasaray (Photo via GalatasaraySK on Twitter)
Photo via GalatasaraySK on Twitter
After weeks of speculation, reports broke over the last couple of days that Leroy Sane had decided to join Galatasaray in Turkey.
Sane turned down an offer to stay with Bayern Munich, and he opted against waiting for an offer from Arsenal, who seemed to be hesitating over whether to turn their interest into a formal bid.
Leroy Sane after arriving to sign for Galatasaray (Photo via GalatasaraySK on Twitter)
Photo via GalatasaraySK on Twitter
Speaking to the media after arriving in Istanbul on Wednesday night to complete his transfer, Sane hinted that Galatasaray made him feel more wanted.
“There were many offers. But Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly,” Sane said.
“I was very impressed by the atmosphere, by the size of the club, by how much they wanted me, by how much interest they showed in me. That’s why I’m here at Galatasaray.”
TOPSHOT - Germany's midfielder #19 Leroy Sane reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Germany and Denmark at the BVB Stadion Dortmund in Dortmund on June 29, 2024. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images
The financial side of the deal likely also played a part, with Sane reportedly set to earn a net annual salary of €15m (£12.7m).
For a player to earn a net income of £12.7m per year in England, they’d have to receive a gross weekly wage of over £460,000-a-week. The tax policies for footballers are more favourable in Turkey, but the winger should still cost Galatasaray over £300,000-a-week.
Perhaps that goes some way to explaining Arsenal’s hesitation. The Gunners couldn’t really afford that kind of salary for a 29-year-old who hasn’t been starting consistently in 2024/25.
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