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Galatasaray has completed the signing of German international Leroy Sane, one of the most high-profile transfers in recent Super Lig history.
The club announced the deal through the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), confirming a three-season contract that will begin on July 1, 2025. The agreement includes a guaranteed salary of $10.5 million per season, plus an additional $3.5 million loyalty bonus each year.
The transfer was arranged by agent George Gardi and Galatasaray Sportif A.S. Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu. According to Turkish media, the total annual cost of the transfer remains below $15 million.
Sane, whose contract with Bayern Munich expired this summer, reportedly received offers from Bayern, Arsenal, and Al Hilal, but ultimately chose Galatasaray.
According to journalist Osman Senher, existing Galatasaray stars such as Mauro Icardi helped influence the move. Turkish-German players, including Mesut Ozil, Nuri Sahin, and Lukas Podolski, are also said to have encouraged Sane to join the Istanbul club.
Despite the official signing, Sane will not immediately join Galatasaray’s squad. He will play for Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup until the end of June. If the German club qualifies for the tournament’s knockout stage in July, Sane will not participate further and is expected to report to his new team afterward.
Galatasaray began pursuing Sane as early as January. Head coach Okan Buruk was determined to add the experienced winger to the squad. Buruk favored Sane due to his flexibility across attacking positions.
He can operate on both wings, in the number 10 role, and even as a second striker. This adaptability is expected to give the coach more options in both domestic and European matches.
Born on January 11, 1996, in Essen, Germany, Leroy Aziz Sane is a German international who plays primarily as a right winger but is also effective as a forward. Galatasaray signed him after a career that included standout performances in the Bundesliga, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League.
Sane made his professional debut in 2014 with Schalke 04. In 2016, he transferred to Manchester City for $50 million, where he helped the team win the Premier League and EFL Cup. His breakout season came in 2017–18, when he became the first and only German player to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
He debuted for Germany in November 2015 and was part of the national team that reached the semifinals at UEFA Euro 2016.
Leroy Sane at Bayern Munich
Leroy Sane total club career stats
For the German national team, he has 14 goals in 70 matches. His previous moves include a $60 million transfer to Manchester City in 2016 and a $56 million move to Bayern Munich in 2020. His current market value is listed at $37 million.
The news has drawn massive interest from fans. Over 3.2 million people reportedly tracked the private jet carrying Sane to Istanbul on YouTube the night of his arrival.
Galatasaray’s management is continuing efforts to build a strong squad ahead of the new season. Talks are ongoing with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. According to reports, Osimhen is negotiating to lower his release clause and prefers to join Galatasaray rather than wait until January, when he can move freely under FIFA rules.
Discussions are also in progress regarding Ilkay Gundogan. While the outcome is not yet final, the club is exploring alternatives in case the transfer does not materialize. Head coach Buruk is reportedly focused on bringing in athletic players to boost Galatasaray’s performance in the UEFA Champions League.
With Sane’s arrival, Galatasaray could consider letting Baris Alper Yilmaz leave. The club has reportedly set a minimum asking price of $35 million for the Turkish international. Sane’s record adds further weight to the transfer.
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