MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
In one of the most ambitious transfer pursuits of the summer, Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly still pushing to sign a trio of Manchester City first-team players: goalkeeper Ederson, defender Manuel Akanji, and midfielder İlkay Gündoğan.
This development, widely reported in the Turkish media and The Star newspaper was the latest to report that the Lions want all three players – none of which started in the defeat against Tottenham this weekend.
The potential departure of these three would represent a significant shake-up to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Ederson has been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for eight seasons, Gündoğan is one of City’s most decorated midfielders, and Akanji has been a strong defensive presence for the last three campaigns.
According to the reports, Ederson remains Galatasaray’s top target to replace the departed Fernando Muslera. The Turkish club is believed to be working with agents Ahmet Bulut and Özgün Koyutürk to broker a deal. The move is considered the most likely of the three, especially with City reportedly interested in Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as a replacement.
Galatasaray is also said to be monitoring Manuel Akanji’s situation closely. The defender is reportedly contemplating his future at the Etihad after City received a bid for him that met their valuation. The outcome of this potential transfer may depend on how Guardiola plans to manage his defensive options for the season.
Finally, İlkay Gündoğan is also on Galatasaray’s radar. Although his initial one-year contract was automatically extended, reports from both German and English media suggest his long-term future with the club is not secure. A move would hinge on whether the veteran midfielder is prepared to end his successful tenure at City.
With the transfer window nearing its close, Galatasaray’s bold ambitions have put Manchester City at the center of one of Europe’s most intriguing late sagas. City fans may have to brace themselves for the emotional farewell of one or more of their beloved treble-winning heroes.