Galatasaray have opened formal negotiations to sign Turkish international striker Deniz Gül from Portuguese club FC Porto, with the 22-year-old arriving in Istanbul Tuesday as the Turkish champions move closer to adding another young forward to their squad.
Galatasaray Sportif A.Ş. confirmed the development in a statement to Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform, or KAP, Tuesday. The club said official negotiations had begun with Gül and Porto over his transfer.
Gül arrived at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport later Tuesday, landing at the General Aviation Terminal at around 2:15 p.m. local time. He was expected to undergo medical examinations before signing a multiyear contract, widely reported to be for five years.
Galatasaray and Porto have reportedly agreed on a package worth 10 million euros ($11.6 million) in guaranteed payments, with a further 1 million euros available in performance-related bonuses.
Porto are also expected to retain a sell-on clause. Most reports put the figure at 10% of any future profit from Gül's sale, although some Turkish reports have cited a 15% share.
Gül is reportedly set to earn around 1.5 million euros per season at Galatasaray.
The transfer accelerated after Porto brought in Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez on loan from AC Milan with an option to buy, creating room for Gül to leave the Portuguese club. The Turkey international had reportedly made his preference for a move to Galatasaray clear.
The deal would represent a significant profit for Porto, who signed Gül from Swedish club Hammarby in August 2024 for a reported 4.5 million euros to 5 million euros. His Porto contract was set to run through 2029 and reportedly contained a 50 million euro release clause.
Gül was born July 2, 2004, in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother. He developed through several Swedish youth systems, including Stuvsta IF, Segeltorps IF, IF Brommapojkarna, AIK and FC Djursholm, before joining Hammarby IF.
He progressed into Hammarby's senior setup and spent time with Hammarby TFF, the club's reserve side, in Sweden's third tier. In 2023, he scored 14 goals in 23 appearances for Hammarby TFF.
Gül also made 21 Allsvenskan appearances for Hammarby's first team, scoring three goals before earning his move to Porto.
His two seasons in Portugal gave him extensive experience at one of the country's biggest clubs. He made roughly 70 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals and adding two assists.
During the 2025-26 season, Gül appeared in 44 matches and played 1,824 minutes, finishing with seven goals and two assists. He scored five goals in 29 Primeira Liga appearances and also featured in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cup competitions.
His opportunities became more limited at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign, however, with the striker failing to score before his expected move to Istanbul.
At around 1.90 meters to 1.92 meters (6 feet, 3 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches), Gül offers Galatasaray a physically imposing option at center forward. The right-footed striker is known for his strength, aerial ability and willingness to work without the ball.
Gül represented Sweden at youth level, including appearances for the country's under-19 and under-21 teams, before choosing to represent Türkiye at senior level.
He committed to Türkiye in November 2024 and has since earned 10 international caps, scoring twice. One of those goals came during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Spain, while the other was scored in a friendly.
He was also included in Türkiye's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His international status adds another layer of value for Galatasaray, as Gül qualifies as a Turkish player under the Süper Lig's squad regulations governing foreign players.
Gül's arrival would give Galatasaray another young, domestic attacking option while increasing competition in a forward line built around established stars.
Reports have frequently positioned him as a potential backup and rotation option behind Victor Osimhen, giving Galatasaray greater depth during a season in which the club will be competing on multiple fronts.
The move also fits Galatasaray's strategy of combining major-profile signings with younger players who can contribute immediately while offering longer-term value.
For Gül, the transfer represents a return to his family's homeland and an opportunity to establish himself at one of Türkiye's biggest clubs after two seasons gaining experience in Portugal.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the transfer had not yet been formally completed. Galatasaray's KAP disclosure confirmed that negotiations were underway, while Gül's arrival in Istanbul indicated that the process had advanced to the medical and contract stages.
A further KAP announcement is expected once the medical examinations are completed and the final paperwork is signed.
