After five seasons with Bayern Munich, Leroy Sané has officially bid farewell to the club and its fans, signaling the start of a new chapter in his career with Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray. The 29-year-old German international winger confirmed his departure through an emotional video and message posted on his social media accounts on Thursday, marking the end of a successful yet somewhat turbulent spell with the Bavarian giants.
Sané's arrival in Istanbul was met with a frenzy of excitement, as hundreds of Galatasaray fans flocked to the airport to welcome their new star. Videos and photos circulating online show Sané donning a Galatasaray scarf and being mobbed by supporters chanting his name, highlighting the high expectations and anticipation surrounding his move. Galatasaray even streamed his arrival live on their official YouTube channel, attracting over one million viewers, underscoring the magnitude of this transfer for the club and its fanbase.
In his farewell message, Sané expressed his gratitude to Bayern Munich, his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans. "Dear Bayern fans, after 5 intense years here in Munich, I've decided to start a new chapter in the upcoming season," he wrote. "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." He also thanked everyone for the time they shared and the memories they made, stating he would forever be grateful for his time in Munich.
Sané's decision to join Galatasaray comes after Bayern Munich offered him a three-year contract extension with reduced terms, which he rejected. Galatasaray, on the other hand, presented him with an ambitious project and a lucrative deal, reportedly offering a three-year contract with a net salary of around €15 million per year. This offer surpassed those from other interested clubs, including those in Saudi Arabia and the English Premier League, demonstrating Galatasaray's strong desire to secure his services.
The winger explained that several factors influenced his decision to join Galatasaray. He stated that the "overall package," including the atmosphere, the club's strong interest in him, and the passion of the fans, ultimately convinced him to make the move. He also expressed his desire to achieve great things with the club and contribute to their success in both domestic and European competitions. Sané also noted the impact the Galatasaray fans made on him when he played against them in Istanbul as an opposing player.
During his five years with Bayern Munich, Sané won four Bundesliga titles, two DFL-Supercups, one UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. He made 220 appearances for the club, scoring 61 goals and providing 55 assists. While his final season saw him score 13 goals in 45 appearances, he only started in 25 of those games. Despite his contributions, Sané was no longer seen as a key part of Bayern's long-term plans, paving the way for his departure.
With Sané's contract with Bayern Munich expiring at the end of June, he will join Galatasaray on a free transfer. The Turkish club has officially confirmed that transfer talks have begun. He is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday, after which the transfer will be officially completed.
Sané's move to Galatasaray signals the Turkish club's ambition to strengthen its squad and compete at the highest level in the Champions League. His arrival is expected to provide a significant boost to their attacking options and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.
