Leroy Sané
Image credit: Getty Images
Leroy Sané has confirmed that he received “many offers” to leave Bayern Munich this summer, but ultimately chose Galatasaray due to the club’s size and their persistent interest in signing him.
The 29-year-old Germany international arrived in Istanbul in the early hours of Thursday to a raucous reception from thousands of Galatasaray fans who gathered at Ataturk Airport to welcome their latest marquee signing. Draped in the club’s iconic yellow and red scarf, Sané smiled and waved to the crowd, clearly moved by the reception.
Despite Bayern Munich’s efforts to retain him, including the offer of a lucrative contract extension, Sané opted for a new challenge in Turkey. His decision came after switching agents to the renowned Pini Zahavi, who helped orchestrate the free transfer.
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“The atmosphere here was always amazing. It was very, very loud. That’s why I’m happy to be back,” Sané told Turkish media upon arrival. “I can’t wait to play my first game in front of the fans.”
Leroy Sané - Galatasaray
Leroy Sané has arrived in Turkey ahead of his proposed transfer to Galatasaray (Image credit: Getty Images)
Galatasaray is expected to pay the former Manchester City winger a reported £11 million per season. The move ends a five-year stint at Bayern where Sané lifted four Bundesliga titles, two DFL-Supercups, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. In 220 appearances, he scored 61 goals and registered 55 assists.
Sané revealed that he had long admired Galatasaray and was particularly swayed by the club’s passion and ambition. “There were many offers. But Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly,” he said. “The atmosphere, the size of the club, how much they wanted me, how much interest they showed, that’s why I’m here.”
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Arsenal had been one of several clubs monitoring Sané’s situation closely. Sources fromThe Athletic suggest the player was open to a move to the Emirates, but the Gunners hesitated and were ultimately outpaced by Galatasaray, who acted swiftly to finalise the deal.
“I’m very grateful to the fans. It means a lot to me that they came here at this hour,” Sané said of the passionate welcome. “I’m really looking forward to my first game in front of these fans.”
Sané is expected to sign a three-year contract that will keep him at Galatasaray until June 2028, as the club aims to strengthen its squad ahead of another title push and European campaign.
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