A deal that once looked inevitable is now hanging by a thread — Ilkay Gündoğan’s proposed transfer to Galatasaray has reportedly stalled over a wage dispute that neither side appears willing to resolve.

With Manchester City open to releasing the veteran midfielder on a free transfer, expectations were high that Gündoğan would soon be unveiled in Istanbul. But fresh reports from Turkish media indicate that negotiations have hit a major snag.

The sticking point? Salary. Gündoğan is said to be demanding €8 million per year — a figure well above what Galatasaray are prepared to offer. The Turkish champions, who have already splashed out heavily this summer on high-profile signings such as Victor Osimhen, have made it clear that €4 million annually is their final offer.