Leroy Sané, whose transfer to Galatasaray is actively negotiating, is already in Istanbul. The plane carrying the 29-year-old German midfielder landed at the business aviation terminal of Atatürk Airport, where hundreds of the “Yellow-Reds” welcomed him with a thunderous barrage of songs, drums, and orange smoke.
Emerging from the terminal’s glass doors, Sané, amid the jubilant din, performed the famous Turkish “üçlü” at the fans’ request—a triple chant in which the entire stand shouts in sync, pausing to create three volleys. The player smiled, raised his arms, and already felt very much a part of “Cim-Bom”.
“I want to get on the pitch as soon as possible”
Speaking to journalists right in the arrivals hall, the footballer recalled last season, when with Bayern he played against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
“The atmosphere at Rams Park made a huge impression on me,” Sané admitted. “Such deafening noise, that relentless energy from the stands… It was exactly that experience that pushed me toward today’s decision. I can’t wait for the moment I can step onto the pitch in front of Galatasaray’s supporters.”
The German noted that other clubs had also made offers, but the overall image of “Gala”—the scale of the club, the fans’ passion, and the personal attention from the board—finally tipped the balance in favor of Istanbul.
“They showed interest in me as both a person and a player. I came here with calm confidence: my future is here,” the midfielder concluded.
Formalities and statistics
Immediately after a brief media session, Sané left the airport with club officials. His current contract with Bayern expires on , so he will be able to officially join his new team in the first days of the summer transfer window.
Last season (2024/25) Sané played 45 matches for the Munich side in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 6 assists—a solid return for a midfielder.
Galatasaray’s management expects the German to adapt quickly to Okan Buruk’s system and increase competition in the midfield. The transfer has already been labeled one of the potentially sensational deals of the summer, and the Istanbul crowd is eagerly awaiting the star newcomer’s debut in the upcoming pre-season fixture.
Fans believe that the fresh spark Sané brings will help the team defend its league title and once again go as far as possible in the Champions League, where every quick flank attack can decide the outcome. The player himself says he has found new motivation: “Here I felt that football is pure passion, and I want to respond with my play.”
