Fabrizio Romano Exclusive: Manchester City player prepares for January departure from the Etihad.

Former Germany international Ilkay Gündoğan rejoined Manchester City at the end of the last summer transfer window, just a year after departing for FC Barcelona on a free transfer. City had previously declined lucrative offers from European clubs, believing those deals didn’t meet their valuation of certain players. Among them was Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, whose £100 million release clause City chose not to activate.

Now, six months after bringing back their Treble-winning captain, speculation is growing about Gündoğan potentially leaving Manchester City during the next summer transfer window. Former Turkey international Tugay, speaking to Fanatik and quoted by Sport Witness, suggested a high probability of Gündoğan joining Galatasaray in 2025, estimating the likelihood at “85-90%.” However, he admitted he had no information about the midfielder’s potential salary.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk also commented on the possibility, expressing his admiration for Gündoğan and leaving the door open for a future move. “If he wears the Galatasaray jersey one day, it would make everyone happy,” Buruk said, adding that Gündoğan is expected to finish the season at Manchester City.

Gündoğan himself has previously acknowledged the idea of playing for Galatasaray, describing it as a possibility that would bring him pride. “Never say never,” the 33-year-old said in September, emphasizing that future decisions would depend on timing and circumstances.

Meanwhile, Manchester City is expected to target central midfield reinforcements in both transfer windows in 2025, focusing on finding a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne and additional cover for Rodri to maintain their competitiv

e edge.