Galatasaray are on the brink of completing one of the most sensational transfers in Turkish football history, as German winger Leroy Sane edges closer to a three-year deal that would keep him at the club until June 2028.
Sane, 29, has reached a verbal agreement with the Süper Lig champions, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The Bayern Munich star’s representatives are already in Istanbul to finalize paperwork, with an official signing expected within days.
The move, arriving on a free transfer, marks a significant statement of intent by Galatasaray as they prepare for another Champions League campaign.
Negotiations between Sane’s camp and Galatasaray have been ongoing for weeks, and despite interest from European giants like Arsenal, regional rivals Fenerbahçe, and Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal, the Turkish club has emerged victorious.
A lucrative financial package reportedly worth 11 million euros ($12.5 million) net per year – potentially rising to 15 million euros with bonuses – played a decisive role in luring the German international to Istanbul.
Equally influential was Galatasaray’s Champions League participation and the raucous support he experienced firsthand during Bayern’s clash with the Lions at RAMS Park.
Sane’s journey from Schalke’s youth academy to Manchester City and then Bayern Munich has been marked by flair, speed, and moments of brilliance.
At City, he lifted two Premier League titles and earned a place among Europe’s elite under Pep Guardiola.
His return to Germany in 2020 saw him contribute 46 goals and 48 assists in 164 matches for Bayern, but his final season was marred by inconsistent form and tension with coach Vincent Kompany, ultimately stalling contract extension talks.
Galatasaray, crowned Süper Lig champions for a third straight season in 2025, have made no secret of their bold ambitions.
Vice-president Abdullah Kavukcu confirmed talks with Sane as far back as January, underlining the club’s persistent pursuit.
The potential arrival of Sane – nicknamed “Son of the Storm” by Galatasaray fans after his explosive performance against them in Europe – follows recent links to other stars like Victor Osimhen, Jadon Sancho, and Bernardo Silva, signaling an aggressive push to reclaim continental relevance.
The allure of a central role also played heavily into Sane’s decision.
At Bayern, he often found himself rotated or sidelined, while in Istanbul, he is expected to be the linchpin of a new attacking project.
Backed by powerful sponsors and driven by the weight of expectation from one of Europe’s most passionate fanbases, Galatasaray have presented a vision that is both financially appealing and competitively compelling.
Still, challenges lie ahead.
The Turkish league demands quick adaptation, and fans will expect Sane to shine from the outset, particularly in European fixtures. Galatasaray’s faithful, already dreaming of deep Champions League runs, will look to the German star for leadership and flair on the wing.
Sane’s imminent arrival not only marks a coup for Galatasaray but could reshape the perception of Turkish football.
With 25 Süper Lig titles and a UEFA Cup to their name, the club is no stranger to success.
