In a twist few saw coming, Leroy Sane has decided to trade the Bundesliga for the Bosphorus.
The Bayern Munich star, who was heavily linked with a Premier League return, has reached a full verbal agreement with Galatasaray, shutting the door on a potential move to Arsenal.
Sane, 29, had entered the final month of his contract with Bayern Munich. Talks over a new deal were held, but the winger chose to leave as a free agent instead.
While many believed a reunion with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal was on the cards, Galatasaray made the winning play — offering Sane a deal too tempting to turn down.
🚨🔴🟡 Leroy Sané will become Galatasaray player on contract until June 2028, as revealed this morning!
Deal almost agreed between parties with formal signature to follow, player’s camp in Istanbul to complete all steps.
Here we go, soon. 💣🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/8HPljwplQi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2025
Why Leroy Sane chose Galatasaray over Arsenal?
Arsenal had shown strong interest in the German international. He was seen as a more cost-friendly alternative to Nico Williams, whose wage demands have proven tricky.
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But while the Gunners took their time, Galatasaray moved quickly — faster than Bukayo Saka on a counterattack.
According to multiple reports, including Sky Germany and The Athletic, Sane will sign a contract running until June 2028, earning close to €15 million per year.
That’s roughly £475,000 per week — a figure Arsenal clearly weren’t willing to match, especially under the weight of Premier League tax rules. Thus, that might be one of the key reasons behind the German’s decision.
The Turkish giants, who just clinched a domestic double, are now set to land a Champions League-caliber winger for free. With Victor Osimhen’s loan spell ending, Sane looks set to become the new face of the club.
Sane won’t join Bayern at the Club World Cup in the United States this month, signaling a clean break from the club he made 220 appearances for. He leaves behind 116 goal contributions, four Bundesliga titles, and a whole lot of “what ifs.”
As for Arsenal, they’ll now go back to the drawing board. Arteta, who once helped shape Sane’s development at Manchester City, may have to find a new target — because this play just got intercepted in Istanbul.
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