Galatasaray has confirmed talks with Leroy Sané. The 29-year-old German forward is a free agent and appears to be on the verge of a move to the Turkish league. Sané has already posed with a scarf of his potential new club.
Leroy Sané’s football journey appears to be entering a new and intriguing chapter. After years of top-flight football in Germany and England, the 28-year-old winger seems set to swap the Bundesliga for the Turkish Süper Lig, with a move to Galatasaray now seemingly imminent.
The German international, capped 70 times for his country, is reportedly in Istanbul to iron out the final details of his transfer, and all indications point to an official announcement in the very near future.
Sané’s career began at Schalke 04, where he progressed through the club’s renowned youth academy and made his professional debut in 2014. His explosive pace, technical finesse, and flair quickly made him one of the most exciting young talents in Europe. Within just two years, his rise caught the attention of Manchester City, who, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, invested over fifty million euros to bring the teenager to the Premier League one of the highest fees ever paid for a German player at the time.
During his four-year spell in England, Sané flourished. He played a crucial role in a dominant Manchester City side, contributing to a period of domestic supremacy. In total, he made 135 appearances for the club, scoring memorable goals and providing crucial assists. His trophy haul with City included two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a League Cup, and he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in the 2017–18 season a testament to his impact during City's record-breaking 100-point campaign.
However, a serious knee injury in 2019 halted his momentum. Sané missed most of the 2019–20 season, and with his contract nearing its end, speculation around his future intensified. In 2020, Bayern Munich secured his return to Germany, paying a fee similar to what City had initially invested. At Bayern, Sané was seen as a long-term replacement for legends like Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry. Over the next four seasons, he featured in 220 matches across all competitions, notching 61 goals and 50 assists. He played a key part in several title-winning campaigns, including Bundesliga triumphs and a deep Champions League run, although he occasionally drew criticism for inconsistency.
Now, after four years in Bavaria, Sané and Bayern Munich are set to go their separate ways. His contract has run its course, and with no renewal in sight, Sané is available on a free transfer a rare opportunity for a club to sign a player of his calibre without a transfer fee. While several clubs across Europe and even Saudi Arabia were reportedly monitoring his situation, it is Galatasaray who have emerged as the frontrunners and now appear to have sealed the deal.
According to reports and confirmed by Galatasaray themselves, Sané is currently in Istanbul to complete the final stages of the move. The Turkish champions have released official images of the winger posing with the club’s scarf, a move typically reserved for players whose transfers are on the verge of being announced. Sources suggest that only medical checks and minor contractual details remain, with a multi-year deal expected to be signed soon.
The arrival of Sané would be a major coup for Galatasaray, both on and off the pitch. The club has a history of attracting high-profile names Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder, Radamel Falcao and Sané’s addition would further elevate their status in European football. For Sané, the move represents a new challenge and an opportunity to revive his career in a passionate footballing environment. Istanbul's atmosphere, particularly at Galatasaray’s iconic RAMS Park, is renowned worldwide, and Sané will undoubtedly be seen as a marquee addition to a squad aiming to dominate domestically and compete in Europe.
It also aligns with Galatasaray’s ambitions to return to the top tier of European football. The club has recently focused on building a squad that blends experienced internationals with emerging local talent. Sané’s signing would symbolize their intent to strengthen that core with a player who, despite ups and downs, still has the pace, creativity, and experience to make a decisive difference.
At 28, Sané still has several prime years ahead of him, and in the right environment where he is trusted, motivated, and given freedom he could rediscover his best form. For Turkish football, his arrival would mark yet another step in its ongoing resurgence, with several clubs investing heavily in recent seasons to restore the league’s global appeal.
