The former DFB captain is rarely used at Galatasaray and reacts frustratedly to his role as a reserve. However, he rejects transfer rumors.
AI-generated summary
Ilkay Gündogan moved from Manchester City to Galatasaray Istanbul in 2025 and won the championship there in the previous season.
This time there wasn't more than a few runs and stretching exercises on the sidelines. Ilkay Gündogan was once again left out and did not play in Galatasaray Istanbul's 3-1 win against Kasimpasa last weekend. The former captain of the German national team is now just a benchwarmer at the top Turkish club - in the current season, the 35-year-old has only played eleven minutes in eight games.
Gündogan's frustration with his situation seems to run deep. Next Tuesday Istanbul will play in the Champions League at FC Barcelona. When asked whether he was ready for the game against his former club, Gündogan replied: "I'm not playing - so why should I be ready?"
Coach Okan Buruk is currently not planning on using the midfield strategist, who moved from Manchester City to Galatasaray in 2025. Buruk only substituted Gündogan twice in the final phase. On the first matchday against Corum and in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon.
"I think Ilkay's statement was misunderstood. The boy might have been a little tense after the game because he warmed up and then wasn't substituted. I didn't give it much importance because Ilkay is training well and waiting to play," Buruk said.
Gündogan played an important role in Galatasaray's game last season - the 82-time national player played 38 games across all competitions and played a major role in winning the Turkish championship. Now the fall to the benchwarmer.
“The transfer rumors are not true,” says Gündogan
According to information from the Turkish newspaper “Sabah”, Galatasaray is said to want to release Gündogan during the winter break. Also to save his estimated salary of 4.5 million euros. Gündogan rejected any rumors of a change. "The transfer rumors are not true. I want to stay here after the winter transfer window and give everything I can to win another title with Galatasaray," he told the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Gündogan recently made positive headlines off the pitch. On September 29th he was awarded the Mevlüde Genç Medal of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Gündogan was already awarded the prize last year, but the personal presentation was only made now due to his move to Turkey and the trip to Turkey by Hendrik Wüst, the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia. The award commemorates the racist arson attack in Solingen in 1993 and honors people who work against racism and for international understanding.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ilkay Gündogan will stay at Galatasaray beyond the winter transfer window.
Likely · Within months
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