Turkish champions Galatasaray have completed the signing of Leroy Sane on a free transfer with the Germany international reportedly signing a three-year contract in Istanbul.
Sane leaves Bayern Munich after five years in Bavaria. The 29-year-old had a glorious career in Bavaria, winning eight major trophies including four Bundesliga titles, but he fell out of favour under Vincent Kompany.
His previous contract expired at end of June, and despite reported interest from Premier League duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, Sane has made a bold move East.
He's on course to become the second German player in Galatasaray's current roster following Karim Demirbay's switch from Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
Sane penned a heartfelt farewell message for Bayern and the fans: "After five intense years in Munich, I’ve decided to start a new chapter for the upcoming season. I’m incredibly proud to have worn the jersey of the best and biggest club in Germany for over 200 matches and will always cherish the titles we’ve won together."
"Thank you to the club, the coaching staff, everyone behind the scenes, my teammates, and especially you, the fans, for the time we’ve shared and the memories we’ve made. I will forever be grateful for my time here."
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What did Sane say after joining Galatasaray?
Sane's decision to leave will impact Kompany's plans for the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Belgian coach planning to use him in the USA, with Bayern Munich hoping to reach a middle ground with the winger.
Arsenal were also a club in the mix for him as a free agent, with the Gunners hoping to utilise Mikel Arteta's influence, after the pair worked together at Manchester City.
However, Galatasaray have won the race, as they convince Sane ahead of their Turkish rivals Fenerbahce, with Jose Mourinho left frustrated.
"There were many offers. But, Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly," Sane told Turkish media [via The Metro].
"I was very impressed by the atmosphere, by the size of the club, how much they wanted me, by how much interest they showed in me. That’s why I’m here at Galatasaray.
"The atmosphere here is always amazing. It's very loud. That’s why I’m happy to be back. I can’t wait to play in front of the fans."
As things stand, Sane may not be the only Bayern Munich winger leaving the club as Kingsley Coman is considering amoving on from Bavaria this summer, with the Frenchman linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
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