Ilkay Gündogan, a 33-year-old German international with Turkish roots, is reportedly a transfer target for José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe. Despite never playing professionally in Turkey, Gündogan has had a stellar career across top European clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Barcelona.
Ilkay Gündogan, the 33-year-old German international and one of the most seasoned midfielders in European football, has reportedly caught the attention of Fenerbahçe, now managed by the renowned Portuguese coach José Mourinho.
According to the Turkish outlet Spor Arena, the Istanbul-based club is seriously considering making a move for the experienced player, aiming to bring his vast skills and leadership qualities to the Turkish Süper Lig.
Gündogan's potential transfer to Fenerbahçe is particularly intriguing given his Turkish heritage. Although he was born and raised in Germany, where he developed into a top-tier footballer, Gündogan has never played professionally in Turkey. His roots trace back to Turkey, making this potential move not only a significant career choice but also a symbolic return to his ancestral homeland. Despite his strong connections to Turkey, Gündogan's football journey has been distinctly European, having spent his entire professional career in Germany, England, and Spain.
Gündogan's career began in Germany, where he played for Bochum and Nuremberg before making a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund under the management of Jürgen Klopp. His performances at Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013, earned him a move to Manchester City in 2016. At City, Gündogan further solidified his reputation as a world-class midfielder, becoming a key player under Pep Guardiola. During his time in the Premier League, Gündogan won multiple league titles, domestic cups, and was instrumental in City's European campaigns, including their Champions League victory in 2021.
In 2023, Gündogan made a high-profile move to FC Barcelona, where he quickly became an essential part of Xavi Hernández’s squad. In his debut season with the Catalan giants, Gündogan made 51 appearances across all competitions, contributing with five goals and 14 assists. His technical ability, vision, and experience have been invaluable to Barcelona, especially during a transitional phase for the club. Gündogan’s leadership qualities were also on display as he played a pivotal role in guiding a relatively young Barcelona squad.
Beyond his club career, Gündogan has been a mainstay for the German national team. He has earned numerous caps and represented Germany in major international tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Most recently, he was a starter for Germany in Euro 2024, where his performances demonstrated that he remains at the top of his game despite being in the later stages of his career.
The prospect of Gündogan moving to Fenerbahçe under the management of José Mourinho adds an extra layer of excitement. Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen and ability to motivate players, could provide Gündogan with a new challenge and a fresh environment where he could continue to excel. Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey’s most successful and popular clubs, is aiming to reclaim its dominance in the Turkish Süper Lig and make a significant impact in European competitions. The addition of a player of Gündogan’s caliber would certainly bolster their squad and provide them with the experience needed to compete at the highest levels.
However, whether Gündogan would be willing to leave Barcelona so soon after joining remains to be seen. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2025, and the club sees him as a key figure in their plans moving forward. The potential move to Fenerbahçe would likely depend on a number of factors, including the financial terms of the deal, the player’s personal preferences, and the vision Mourinho presents to him.
As Fenerbahçe looks to make a statement in the transfer market, securing a player of Gündogan’s pedigree would certainly do just that. For now, the football world will be watching closely to see how this potential transfer saga unfolds, as it could mark a significant moment in Gündogan’s illustrious career.
