Leroy Sane says he chose to join Galatasaray because of “the size of the club” and “how much interest they showed” this summer, despite receiving numerous offers to leave Bayern Munich.
Ahead of a potential free transfer to the Turkish Super Lig giants, the 29-year-old attacker arrived in Istanbul early on Thursday morning to a hero’s welcome.
Pictured with a Galatasaray scarf draped around his neck, Sane waved and smiled broadly at the large crowd of supporters who had gathered outside Ataturk Airport.
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In an effort to keep Sané, Bayern had offered the Germany international a lucrative new contract to extend his stay for the coming season and beyond.
However, Sané opted for a move to Galatasaray, where he is expected to earn an eye-watering £11 million per season, after changing his representation to super-agent Pini Zahavi.
“The atmosphere here was always amazing. It was very, very loud. That’s why I’m happy to be back,” Sané told Turkish media upon his arrival in Istanbul.
“I can’t wait to play my first game in front of the fans.”
Arsenal were reportedly one of the clubs closely monitoring Sané’s contract situation, and the winger is said to have been interested in a move to the Emirates.
However, The Athletic reports that Sané pushed for a more immediate decision — which Galatasaray promptly delivered — as the Gunners were not assertive enough in their approach.
“There were many offers. But Galatasaray as a whole impressed me greatly,” Sané added.
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“I was very impressed by the atmosphere, by the size of the club, by how much they wanted me, by how much interest they showed in me. That’s why I’m here at Galatasaray.”
Sane took to his Instagram page on Thursday, 12 June 2025 to pen a heartfelt farewell message to Bayern Munich fans.
“Dear Bayern fans, after 5 intense years here in Munich, I’ve decided to start a new chapter in the upcoming season. I’m incredibly proud to have worn the jersey of the best and biggest club in Germany for over 200matches and will always cherish the titles we’ve won together,” Sane wrote.
“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 @fcbayern!”
By Habeeb Kuranga
