The 29-year-old, whose contract with the Bundesliga giants expires on June 30, had initially been expected to depart immediately for Turkey. However, a last-minute agreement has seen him commit to Bayern for their opening matches, a decision that has electrified fans and added intrigue to the tournament.
Galatasaray, the Turkish Super Lig champions, confirmed on June 12, that they had secured Sane on a three-year deal, starting July 1. The club announced he would earn a guaranteed nine million euros per season, with an additional three million euros in loyalty bonuses.
"We have reached an agreement with professional footballer Leroy Aziz Sané for three seasons," Galatasaray posted on X, generating a wave of excitement among their supporters, with over one million tuning into a live YouTube broadcast tracking his flight to Istanbul.
Initially, reports suggested Sane would skip the Club World Cup to finalise his move, with Sky Sport's Florian Plettenberg stating he would "not feature in July, even if Bayern reach the quarter-finals."
However, productive discussions between Bayern and Galatasaray led to a dramatic change of plans. "Leroy Sane will play his final matches for Bayern at the Club World Cup, but only until the end of June," Plettenberg clarified on X, noting Sane's expected arrival in Orlando on Friday evening. Bayern echoed this, confirming: "Before his transfer to Galatasaray, Leroy Sane will be in action for Bayern at the Club World Cup until June 30."
This means Sane will be available for Bayern's group stage clashes against Auckland City on June 15, Boca Juniors on June 21, and Benfica on June 24, with a potential round of 16 tie on June 28 or 29.
Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, addressed the arrangement, saying: "If a player gets another offer and accepts it, that's absolutely normal." Sane's inclusion offers Bayern a potent attacking weapon as they aim to dominate their group, though his departure looms large.
Sane's move to Galatasaray caps a five-year spell at Bayern, where he won four Bundesliga titles and a Club World Cup, scoring 61 goals and providing 55 assists in 220 appearances.
Reflecting on his time in Munich, Sane said on Instagram: "After five intense years, I've decided to start a new chapter. I'm incredibly proud to have worn the jersey of the best club in Germany for over 200 matches and will always cherish the titles we've won together."
The transfer saga saw Galatasaray outmanoeuvre rivals, including Fenerbahce, who offered a slightly higher salary, and Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham. Bayern's final contract offer, a three-year deal worth 12 million euros annually, plus 3.5 million euros in bonuses, was deemed insufficient by Sane and his agent, Pini Zahavi.
Galatasaray's ambitious project, including Champions League participation, ultimately swayed the winger. "Galatasaray were the club who invested the most in Sane over the past two to three weeks," Plettenberg reported, highlighting their persistent pursuit.
As Sane prepares to dazzle in the Club World Cup before joining Galatasaray, Bayern face a transition. Young star Jamal Musiala could inherit Sane's iconic number 10 shirt, a number he has worn for Germany and coveted since his Chelsea academy days. For now, Bayern fans will savour Sane's final flair, while Galatasaray supporters eagerly await their new star's arrival in Istanbul.
Bayern Munich are on a mission to sign a top-tier attacker following Leroy Sane's unexpected free transfer to Galatasaray, with board member for sport Max Eberl vowing to land an "outstanding player" to ignite their frontline.
VfL Wolfsburg have appointed Paul Simonis as their new head coach, ushering in a new era for the Bundesliga side.
Athletic Bilbao are growing increasingly anxious about the future of their star winger, Nico Williams, as Bayern Munich have reportedly tabled an offer to lure the 22-year-old to Germany this summer.
Leroy Sane touched down in Istanbul on Wednesday night, greeted by a roaring crowd of Galatasaray fans chanting his name, as the 29-year-old winger sealed his move from Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
