From Turkey: Galatasaray plot transfer talks for Manchester City trio

As Manchester City continue to work on trimming their playing squad in time for the new season, fresh reports from Turkey are claiming of an ambitious approach.

Amid ongoing changes within the Etihad Stadium throughout the summer, it is Galatasaray who are now exploring a bold strategy involving current first-team players that may be deemed surplus to requirements by Manchester City officials.

This summer has already seen City undergo meaningful transition, with fringe names placed in the shop window, the club’s youth recruitment strategy ongoing, and several long-serving players subject to interest from abroad.

Among those are goalkeeper Ederson and now defender Manuel Akanji — both of whom have featured heavily under Pep Guardiola but now face uncertain futures due to age, contract status, and shifting priorities at the club.

Manchester City have been bracing themselves for a potential departure of Ederson since early 2024, with Diogo Costa emerging as a primary replacement target earlier this summer, but with very little developing on that front.

Manuel Akanji, meanwhile, had a mixed 2024/25 campaign, and while he remains a reliable option in defence, interest from across Europe — now including from the Turkish Super Lig — could test the resolve of City’s transfer department.

According to the reporting of Mekteb-i Gala on X, Galatasaray are now preparing to hold official talks with Manchester City regarding a package deal for Manuel Akanji, Ederson, and İlkay Gündoğan.

The Turkish giant’s pursuit of the trio marks a remarkable show of ambition, particularly given the financial implications such a deal would carry, with Ederson’s wages alone posing a significant hurdle for most clubs outside Europe’s elite.

While the likelihood of a full package deal materialising remains questionable, the individual components of this report are not without credibility. Ederson’s situation continues to evolve, with City seemingly open to offers amid persistent Saudi Pro League interest. Galatasaray’s emergence as a potential suitor, although perhaps unexpected, adds another layer to the narrative and could signal the beginning of multiple talks between the two clubs this summer.

Manuel Akanji, meanwhile, would offer Galatasaray both versatility and experience at the highest level, and any sale from Mancheter City’s side would be evaluated against incoming defensive developments such as the situation at right-back.

As for Gündoğan, his position within Pep Guardiola’s operation was perhaps thrown into doubt in January following the arrival of Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto, and Tijjani Reijnders addition earlier this summer will only add to those concerns from his side.