Enthusiastic Welcome by Sane in Istanbul: "I'm Extremely Delighted"
Amidst a sea of cheering fans, Leroy Sané steps into the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul, as Galatasaray greets the football star with open arms. Broadcast live, Sané deplanes from a private jet, donning a Galatasaray scarf around his neck, with partner Candice Brook by his side.
The excitement in Istanbul echoes over 10,000 kilometers away in Orlando, where FC Bayern prepares intensely for the Club World Cup. Post-training session chatter about Sané's impending departure is hushed, with captain Manuel Neuer revealing that Sané hasn't been in contact with the team, and Thomas Müller, the team's representative, jokingly playing coy.
Soon after, Sané addresses Bayern fans via social media, sharing his decision to start a fresh chapter after five intense years. He expresses his immense pride in having represented "the best and biggest club in Germany" in over 200 games and cherishing the titles they've won together.
Initially, Sané was slated to travel with the German national players to the USA for the Club World Cup. However, his travel plans deviated, leading him to Istanbul instead.
Upon his arrival, Sané willingly grants interviews to Turkish media, gushing about the "overall package," the atmosphere, and the enthusiasm of the club and fans. Translated by current Galatasaray director Fatih Demireli, Sané shares his aspirations to achieve a lot with the team.
It seems the "overall package" includes a financially attractive offer from Galatasaray that surpassed the reported 12 million euros per year that Bayern was prepared to offer for a new contract until 2028.
After months of complicated contract negotiations, the uncertainty surrounding Sané's future is finally resolved, 18 days before his official contract expiration. With Bayern, the awe-inspiring offensive player, often reluctant to share the limelight in Munich, found himself in the turmoil of the media. Now, in Istanbul, he's ready to embrace the spotlight.
In the short term, Bayern will miss an offensive player in their squad for the Club World Cup. However, the loss of a high earner from their payroll provides breathing room for sports director Max Eberl to search for his ideal winger.
Media speculation swirls around potential successors such as the Spanish European champion, Nico Williams (22) from Athletic Bilbao, the Frenchman, Bradley Barcola (22) from Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain, and the Portuguese Nations League winner, Rafael Leão (AC Milan, 26).
Leroy Sané, once a European top club and Bundesliga stalwart, embarks on a new journey with Galatasaray and the Turkish Super Lig. Despite the uncertainties, Sané appears unfazed by the tumultuous arrival at the Bosphorus, reminiscing fondly about his stint with Bayern Munich in the previous Champions League season at the stadium of the Turkish record champions.
"The atmosphere was fantastic," Sané recalls, initially finding the home team's passion a bit overwhelming as a Bayern opponent. "I'm looking forward to them always being that loud, cheering for me and supporting the team," Sané muses with anticipation: "I'm really looking forward to playing my first home game for Gala."
(Footnote: Sané agreed to a three-year contract with Galatasaray, with a guaranteed annual salary of 9 million euros net. His salary could increase to 15 million euros through performance-related bonuses[4]. Despite a higher salary offer from Saudi club Al Ahli, Sané chose Galatasaray[4], suggesting that financial considerations were not the sole factor in his decision. Sané expressed his desire to be the "clear number one" at Galatasaray and take on a leadership role, which aligns with his career ambitions[1]. The passion and atmosphere of Galatasaray's fans were significant factors in his decision, indicating that personal and environmental aspects played a role[4]. Sané highlighted the importance of playing in the Champions League with Galatasaray, which offers him opportunities to perform at a high level[1]. Sané's decision to leave Bayern Munich became complicated after he appointed a new agent, Pini Zahavi[2].)
Sané, now in Istanbul, expresses his eagerness to bask in the spotlight after his tumultuous departure from Bayern Munich. His new journey with Galatasaray begins in the Turkish Super Lig, where he hopes to assume a leadership role and experience the passion of Galatasaray's fans, who remind him of the atmosphere during his Champions League stint with Bayern.
In the wake of Sané's departure, Bayern Munich is faced with a need to find a new offensive player for their squad, offering potential opportunities for Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola, and Rafael Leão, among others.
