alatasaray Agree to Manchester City’s Terms for Gabriel Saha, but Additional Clause Stalls Final Agreement

In a transfer saga that has captured the attention of both Turkish and English football fans, Galatasaray and Manchester City appear to be inching closer to finalizing a deal for highly regarded young talent Gabriel Saha. According to sources close to the negotiations, Galatasaray has formally agreed to the primary conditions set forth by Manchester City, signaling significant progress toward a potential summer move. However, the Turkish club’s insistence on an additional contractual clause has left the deal hanging in the balance, prompting hesitation from City’s hierarchy.

Saha, a dynamic forward who has been rapidly rising through Galatasaray’s ranks, has emerged as a top target for Pep Guardiola. The City manager is said to view the youngster as a player with the technical skill, versatility, and tactical intelligence to fit seamlessly into his squad’s fluid attacking system. Guardiola, who has been tracking Saha’s performances closely over the past year, reportedly sees him as a long-term investment, capable of adding depth and creativity to City’s frontline.

Negotiations between the two clubs began intensively earlier this month, with Manchester City initially proposing a package that included a base transfer fee, performance-based add-ons, and a potential loan-back option for one season to allow Saha to continue his development in Turkey. Galatasaray, eager to secure a record-breaking sale while ensuring the player’s future growth, quickly warmed to City’s structure but introduced an additional stipulation that has become the focal point of the discussions.

Sources indicate that Galatasaray is pushing for a substantial sell-on clause—reportedly upwards of 25%—to guarantee significant returns should Saha be transferred again in the future. While such clauses are not uncommon, the percentage Galatasaray is demanding is said to exceed what Manchester City typically agrees to, especially for players considered developmental prospects rather than established stars. City’s sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, is understood to be carefully weighing the financial implications, concerned that an overly generous clause could limit the club’s flexibility in future dealings.

For Galatasaray, however, the sell-on clause is viewed as critical. Club officials believe that Saha’s trajectory suggests he could become a marquee player whose market value could skyrocket within a few seasons. Ensuring a slice of any future windfall would not only provide financial security for the club but also strengthen their position in future transfer windows. “We are talking about one of the brightest young talents in Europe,” a source close to Galatasaray stated. “If he fulfills his potential, this could be a €100 million player in three or four years. We need to safeguard our club’s interests.”

While negotiations continue, Saha himself is said to be enthusiastic about the move, though patient with the ongoing talks. The 19-year-old forward, who has already drawn comparisons to rising stars like Jamal Musiala and Bukayo Saka for his close control and quick decision-making, is reportedly eager to test himself in the Premier League under Guardiola’s guidance. For now, he remains committed to Galatasaray’s preseason preparations but is keeping a close eye on the outcome of the discussions.

The next week could prove decisive, as both clubs aim to finalize their summer transfer strategies. Manchester City, still seeking to strengthen their depth ahead of another demanding campaign across multiple competitions, may yet agree to Galatasaray’s clause if it means securing a player Guardiola genuinely covets. On the other hand, if no compromise is reached, City could pivot to alternative targets, leaving Galatasaray with a decision on whether to lower their demands or risk holding onto a player whose value may fluctuate depending on his performances in the coming season.

For now, fans of both sides will be watching closely, waiting to see whether this high-profile negotiation will end in a handshake or a stalemate. If completed, the transfer could mark one of the summer’s most talked-about moves, potentially reshaping the career of Gabriel Saha while further cementing Manchester City’s reputation as a destination for Europe’s top young talents.