Ilkay Gündoğan has made the significant move from Manchester City to Galatasaray, where he is set to earn approximately £150,000 a week—enough to fund a village fête and still have pocket money left over for mince pies. At 34 years old, Gündoğan has chosen to prioritize regular playing time over the prospect of sitting on the Etihad touchlines. He completed a free transfer after realizing that Pep Guardiola would be reducing his playing time this season.
A Shifting Landscape
Although Gündoğan was eager to remain in Manchester amidst interest from Turkey, he did not feature in City’s first three matches of the season. After returning to City from Barcelona in the summer of 2024, he found himself behind players like Tijjani Reijnders and a reinvigorated Rodri in Guardiola’s lineup.
A Smart Financial Move
Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser for City, believes Gündoğan has secured a “brilliant” deal. His previous one-season contract with City was tied to appearance clauses, and he consistently delivered when Guardiola needed him most, especially during a critical late-season recovery phase.
Financially, the arrangement is quite favorable: Gündoğan stands to earn €4.5 million net over two years, which is roughly £8 million. This equates to about £150,000 per week, mirroring his income at City. With City unwilling to extend beyond a single-season contract, this move is a win-win. Gündoğan locks in significant earnings as he approaches the twilight of his career, while City reduces their wage bill significantly.
Manchester City’s Uneven Start
On the field, Manchester City’s season has not started smoothly. They enjoyed a commanding 4-0 victory against Wolves but then faced back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton, leaving them six points behind Liverpool. Recruitment expert Mick Brown notes that Guardiola will soon find himself under scrutiny, suggesting that Pep may need to revisit his old rolodex and reach out to some agents.
Conclusion
Gündoğan’s transfer to Galatasaray marks a pivotal moment in his career. By prioritizing regular play over a spot on the bench, he not only secures his financial future but also continues to contribute to the sport he loves. As Manchester City navigates their rocky start to the season, both Gündoğan and the club find themselves at crucial junctures in their respective journeys.