While Bayern Munich prepped for the Club World Cup in the U.S., Leroy Sane was making headlines thousands of miles away in Turkey—and not just for switching clubs.
The German winger’s new Galatasaray deal is turning heads across Europe, thanks to one jaw-dropping number: his salary.
Galatasaray Hands Sane One of the Biggest Paydays in Football
Sane’s new contract with Galatasaray is worth a whopping £10.23 million per year after tax, which, when adjusted to UK gross terms, amounts to about £21.3 million annually—or £410,000 per week.
That places him just behind Erling Haaland as the highest-paid footballer from a Premier League perspective.
In simpler terms? He’s now earning more than Mohamed Salah, Casemiro, and Virgil van Dijk, whose weekly wages range between £350k–£400k.
The Breakdown of His Massive Pay Package
Galatasaray, unusually transparent, confirmed that Sane’s three-year deal starts July 1. It includes:
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£7.7 million net salary per year
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£2.5 million net loyalty bonus each season
This puts the total guaranteed earnings at £30.69 million over three years.
It’s rare for clubs to publicly break down contracts, but Galatasaray called this one of their most historic signings and wanted to “respectfully announce” the figures.
Fan Frenzy Greets Sane’s Arrival in Istanbul
Sane was swarmed by excited fans and media when he landed in Istanbul to complete the deal.
The atmosphere matched the hype, a point Sane himself acknowledged. “It was always loud here,” he said. “That’s why I’m happy to be back.”
While his new chapter in Turkey begins, Sane is technically still under contract with Bayern Munich until June 30.
So, he may yet feature in Bayern’s Club World Cup group matches against Auckland City, Boca Juniors, and Benfica.
Bayern Teammates Stay Quiet on His Exit
Back in the States, Bayern teammates were pretty tight-lipped about the move.
Manuel Neuer simply said, “Leroy hasn’t reported to the team.”
Thomas Müller added, “I can’t say anything. I don’t know anything.”
Despite the silence, Bayern confirmed that Sane remains eligible to play for them until his contract officially runs out at the end of June.
A Grateful Goodbye to Bayern Fans
Sane posted an emotional message to his Instagram followers, thanking Bayern fans for their support over five seasons.
“I’m incredibly proud to have worn the jersey of the biggest club in Germany for over 200 matches,” he wrote. “I will forever be grateful for my time here.”
During his time with Bayern, Sane helped them secure four Bundesliga titles and was part of a team that consistently performed at the top level.
Crushing the Turkish Super League Salary Scale
Sane’s new salary absolutely dwarfs everyone else in the Turkish Super League.
The second-highest earner is Besiktas’ Rafa Silva, reportedly making only about £840,000 a year gross—a third of what Sane is taking home.
Still, Turkey has been drawing big names in recent years.
Think Mauro Icardi, Alvaro Morata, Ciro Immobile, Dries Mertens, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Edin Dzeko.
Add Jose Mourinho on the sidelines, and it’s clear Turkish football is upping its profile.
Turkey’s Financial Muscle Is Growing
Reports suggest that 107 players in Turkey now earn over £1 million a year, and the combined salary spend across the Super League is estimated at over £412 million.
That puts it just below the likes of the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga, but above many other major European competitions like the Dutch Eredivisie or Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Sane Turned Down Big Names in England
Before sealing the Galatasaray deal, Sane’s agent Pini Zahavi reportedly held talks with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, according to German outlet Bild.
Bayern Munich also discussed a contract extension.
But in the end, Galatasaray’s offer—and perhaps its passion—won him over.
“There were many offers,” Sane said, “but Galatasaray impressed me the most.
The atmosphere, the club’s size, and how much they wanted me—it all played a part.”
What’s Next for Leroy Sane?
At just 29 years old, Sane still has a lot left in the tank.
With a massive contract, a passionate fanbase, and a Champions League-worthy team around him, all eyes will be on how he performs in Istanbul.
And if his arrival is anything to go by, Turkey is ready to make even more noise on the European stage—with Sane leading the charge.