Man City transfer news: Gundogan urges former team-mate to join him at Galatasaray

Ilkay Gundogan has publicly invited Bernardo Silva to join him at Galatasaray, as the former Manchester City team-mates could yet be reunited in Turkey this summer.

Gundogan played a key part in Galatasaray's Super Lig title triumph and is now attempting to help the club strengthen their squad for next season. When asked about the rumours linking the Portuguese midfielder to the Istanbul giants on a local television programme, the 35-year-old did not hold back.

‘It is destiny. He has my number. If he is thinking about it, my phone is always on. Of course we want him' — said the Galatasaray number 20.

Bernardo Silva, whose contract at Manchester City expires in June, has already confirmed publicly that he will not be renewing, making him a free agent when the transfer window reopens. Before joining Galatasaray at the start of 2025-26, Gundogan was one of the Portuguese midfielder's most consistent partners at Manchester City. With the exception of 2023-24, when he moved to Barcelona, Gundogan was a fixture in Pep Guardiola's side alongside Bernardo Silva from 2017-18 onwards. Together, they won multiple titles, including Manchester City's historic first Champions League.

Bernardo Silva's future after Manchester City

Described as ‘irreplaceable' by Guardiola, Bernardo Silva will depart the Etihad having made more than 450 appearances and won 19 trophies. At 31, he remains highly sought-after across the major leagues, with his availability drawing interest from several countries.

Alongside Galatasaray, the midfielder has been linked with Barcelona. Benfica, the club that launched his career, also made enquiries about his situation, though the player himself denied that a return to Portugal was on the cards. Saudi Arabian clubs and MLS sides have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

Juventus lead the race — but Champions League place is crucial

The current frontrunners, however, are Juventus. The Turin club have already contacted the player's representatives in recent months, offering him a leading role in the rebuilding project being overseen by Luciano Spalletti.

Bernardo Silva would be the technical reference point in a Juventus side looking to reclaim relevance in Europe. He would also become the club's highest-paid player, on a reported £6.8m (€8m) per year on a three-year contract with the option of a further year.

That project, however, is contingent on Juventus qualifying for next season's Champions League. With their fate not entirely in their own hands in the final round of Serie A fixtures — needing AC Milan, Roma and Como to drop points — they could yet be left with only a Europa League place.

Bernardo Silva, for his part, has not yet made a decision on his next move. He is expected to determine his future after the World Cup.