Galatasaray have agreed on a deal for Ilkay Gundogan with Manchester City, with the player’s approval on personal terms remaining the only pending aspect.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Galatasaray have agreed on a deal with Manchester City for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. They have also sent a contract proposal to the Manchester City veteran. The Turkish giants are prepared to fly him to Istanbul the moment the German gives his approval on personal terms.
Pep Guardiola referenced earlier in the summer that he wants to have a trimmed squad for the season ahead. At the time, Manchester City were closing in on three new summer signings in addition to those that arrived in the winter window.
The Manchester City manager probably meant that he would like some of the long-serving members of his side to leave, and that has been the case in the last stages of the transfer window. Manuel Akanji is close to moving to Inter Milan, while Ederson is about to sign for Fenerbahce, and Gianluigi Donnarumma is joining Manchester City as his replacement.
Fellow Turkish giants Galatasaray are now closing in on a move for Ilkay Gundogan. The Istanbul side have found an agreement with Manchester City for the player’s transfer, and the Premier League giants have given their approval to the veteran leader to make his move to Turkey.
Personal terms are what remain to be agreed upon, as Gundogan is yet to give his approval. As per Florian Plettenberg, Galatasaray have proposed a €5 million per-year-net salary for Gundogan, and as soon as the player approves on those terms, he could fly out to Istanbul to complete the formalities of the deal.
Gundogan is a smart signing for Galatasaray
With the Manchester City squad evolving into the new era, Guardiola will not be bothered if a veteran leader like Gundogan leaves at this stage. However, for Galatasaray, the former German international seems like an important signing given they want players with experience to retain the league title and make themselves relevant in the Champions League.
Having made some excellent acquisitions during the summer, such as Victor Osimhen, the likes of Ilkay Gundogan will provide the experience needed in the Champions League. It remains to be seen if the Manchester City star accepts their terms and makes the move to Istanbul ahead of the Turkish deadline, which is at a later date compared to Europe.