From International Stage to Turkish Waters: Leroy Sané's Bold Move Leaves World Cup Chances Afloat
World Cup prospects for Leroy Sané are significantly dwindling.
By Anja Rau
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Istanbul instead of the USA. Contract signing, vacation, and training instead of the Club World Cup. Leroy Sané bids farewell to Bayern Munich and sets sail with Galatasaray. A decision that raises eyebrows as it appears to prioritize passion over sporting prospects.
From the international stage's limelight, to the lesser-known waters of the Turkish league. Leroy Sané is now anchored at Galatasaray Istanbul. The Turkish league, while vibrant, can hardly keep pace with powerhouses like the Bundesliga, let alone the Premier League. Instead of competing in the Club World Cup with Bayern Munich, he journeyed to Istanbul for his first training session - greeted by the Galatasaray YouTube channel's watchful eye, with a million spectators tuning in.
Sané's plane was in view, and the private jet's doors opened to reveal him clad in a Galatasaray scarf. From now on, it will be Istanbul rather than the USA, and Munich for future endeavors. A bustling metropolis teeming with enthusiastic fans, but less international scrutiny to match. This respite from criticism could potentially benefit the oft-criticized player, but long-term implications may prove detrimental, as national team coach Julian Nagelsmann will observe him less frequently. The 2026 World Cup finds itself at a considerable distance, putting Sané's future in the spotlight at risk. At just 29 years old - in the prime of a footballer's career.
Turkish League: A Step Down for Elite Players?
Footsteps have faded into turkish territory before. Lukas Podolski graced Gala between 2015 and 2017, yet found himself relegated to a supporting role for the DFB team, more a mascot than a relevant professional. At the 2016 Euros, he barely clocked 18 minutes in the round of 16 against Slovakia, coming in as a substitute when the score was already 3-0.
Max Meyer was once heralded as "world class" by his own agent, Roger Wittmann, but his stint at Fenerbahce between 2021 and 2022 netted only 12 games and minimal interest. Max Kruse even found himself in a legal dispute with Fenerbahce over unpaid wages and ultimately canceled his contract.
Could the same fate befall Sané? While he basked in the limelight at Bayern Munich, constantly challenged by the best in the field, it may be quieter waters in Istanbul. The Turkish league is not globally competitive, with Galatasaray having won the championship an impressive three times in a row. The team, coached by Okan Buruk, held an 11-point lead over rival Fenerbahce and a 20-point gap over third-placed Samsunspor.
While Galatasaray has qualified for the Champions League as champions, Sané's participation in the tournament remains uncertain, as the club was knocked out in the playoffs in the previous season against Young Boys Bern. After being relegated to the Europa League, it met its end in the round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar.
Money Talks Loud
Sané himself claimed he was drawn to Galatasaray by the club's atmosphere, size, passion, and interest in his services. But it seems there may be more to the story. Allegedly, Sané aspired to return to England, with Arsenal expressing interest. It appears the allure of money may have played a significant role. With the Turkish champions reportedly offering a net salary of up to €15 million per year - a substantial increase on Bayern Munich's offer.
Will Corners Be Turned in Sané's Career?
With his status in Bayern Munich less secured, Sané rejected their offer. Critics have pointed to the apparent significant pay cut, as Sané would have received €12 million gross plus €3 million in annual bonuses in Munich. Gone are the days when the net remained as substantial in Germany. Now, it seems, the rewards of football stretch further across the Bosphorus.
Sane's possible successor at Bayern Munich is the subject of much speculation: the Spanish Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, who dazzled at Euro 2024 alongside Lamine Yamal. There are also whispers of stars like Rafa Leao from AC Milan, former Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku from FC Chelsea, and Champions League winner Bradley Barcalo from Paris Saint-Germain in the wings, potentially leaving Sané on a smaller stage.
Galatasaray's roster is bolstered by talent, with Alvaro Morata, Spanish European champion and twice Champions League winner with Real Madrid, on loan until January. Mauro Icardi, who signed permanently by PSG two years ago after being on loan since 2022, is also in the mix, though he has been out of action since February due to injury and has not played since.
Is Sané making the right move? Only time will tell if the passionate atmosphere and financial rewards Byzantium offers will keep the flame of his football career burning brightly. Or if, in the end, it signifies the twilight of a brilliant career eclipsed by the unquenchable allure of money.
Sources: ntv.de
- Leroy Sané
- Football
- FC Bayern Munich
- Football World Cup 2026
- Galatasaray Istanbul
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Competitive Level Comparison: Süper Lig vs. Bundesliga and Premier League
When examining the competitive level of the Turkish Süper Lig in comparison to the Bundesliga and Premier League, several factors come into consideration:
- Average Player Value: The Süper Lig's average player value is substantially lower than both the Bundesliga and Premier League. The Süper Lig does not rank amongst the top 20 most valuable leagues based on average player value, with the Bundesliga averaging around £7,900,000 per player and the Premier League at £18,910,000 [3].
- UEFA Competitions: The Süper Lig's top teams often compete in European tournaments, such as the Champions League and Europa League, but they generally do not progress as far as teams from the Bundesliga and Premier League. These two leagues regularly have teams advancing beyond the group stages of major UEFA competitions.
- League Structure and Depth: The Süper Lig is a strong league with passionate fans and intense rivalries but lacks the depth and consistency of the Bundesliga and Premier League, possessing fewer teams capable of competing at a high level over a full season.
Impact on Player Careers
Transferring between the Süper Lig and top leagues can impact a player's career in varying ways:
- From Süper Lig to Top Leagues: Players shifting from the Süper Lig to leagues such as the Bundesliga or Premier League often face a considerable jump in competition. Some players have successfully navigated this transition, like Arda Guler to Real Madrid and Hakan Calhanoglu to Inter Milan, finding the increased exposure and competition beneficial to their careers [5].
- From Top Leagues to Süper Lig: Players joining the Süper Lig from top leagues may find that it's easier to stand out and receive more playing time. However, this can also represent a step down in competition level, potentially affecting their prospects in international competitions.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of the environment, as football moves beyond international boundaries into the Turkish waters. Leroy Sané's transition from Bayern Munich to Galatasaray Istanbul, despite the vibrant atmosphere and financial rewards, may bring a slower pace of competition. This shift could be analogous to the Turkish league, with less international scrutiny for Sané compared to major powerhouses like the Bundesliga or Premier League.
