Galatasaray signs Deniz Gul from Porto to fill rotation after Icardi's exit

Galatasaray has agreed to sign young Turkish striker Deniz Gul from Porto to strengthen its forward rotation following Argentine star Mauro Icardi's departure from the club.

The club confirmed on Tuesday that formal talks had begun with the 22-year-old and Porto, while Gul is expected to arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport later in the day.

Porto is set to receive €10 million ($11.6 million) in fixed transfer fees, plus up to €1 million in performance-related bonuses. The Portuguese club will also retain a 10% share of any future sale, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

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Gul brings fresh depth behind Osimhen

Gul joined Porto from Hammarby in 2024 for €4.5 million and has made 71 appearances for the Portuguese club, scoring 9 goals and providing 2 assists.

Porto's decision to move Gul on follows the arrival of Santiago Gimenez from AC Milan, although the Turkish striker still has a contract with the Portuguese club through 2029.

Gul was born in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother and holds both nationalities. He initially represented Sweden at youth level before opting for Türkiye, making his senior debut in a Nations League playoff against Hungary on March 20, 2025.

Deniz Gul celebrates after scoring Türkiye's third goal against North Macedonia during their 4-0 friendly win in Istanbul on June 1, 2026. (AA Photo)

Icardi exit leaves Galatasaray short up front

Icardi left Galatasaray in July after his contract expired, ending a four-season spell in which the Argentine striker scored 77 goals in 134 appearances. He won four Super Lig titles, as well as one Türkiye Cup and one TFF Super Cup, and finished his Galatasaray career as the club's all-time leading foreign goalscorer.

His exit left Galatasaray with fewer established options at center forward, putting more pressure on Osimhen to lead the attack and increasing the need for another striker in Buruk's squad. Osimhen was Galatasaray's leading league scorer in the 2025-26 title-winning season with 15 goals, while Icardi followed with 14.

Gul is expected to provide an alternative to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen while giving coach Okan Buruk another attacking option, including in a two-striker setup.

September 01, 2026 02:07 PM GMT+03:00