Former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has told Galatasaray officials he is unhappy with his role in Istanbul after being dropped to the substitutes' bench.
According to reports in the Turkish newspaper Sabah, the 30-year-old German international held crunch talks with club executives to express his displeasure over a lack of playing time. The winger reportedly made it clear that he does not view himself as a squad player who only makes late cameo appearances for the Turkish Super Lig club.
Sane was named in the starting lineup for Galatasaray's season-opening fixture on August 14, which ended in a 2-2 home draw against 10-man Corum. However, he has since been dropped to the bench by the coaching staff for the following two matches, with Turkish winger Yunus Akgun taking his place in the starting XI.
In Galatasaray's 4-0 away win against Erzurumspor on August 21, Sane came off the bench in the 65th minute when his side was already leading 3-0. He was then restricted to a 17-minute substitute appearance during Saturday's 3-2 victory over Goztepe as the team held on for three points.
Competition on the wings
Competition for attacking positions in Istanbul has intensified following Galatasaray's recent acquisition of Portugal international Rafael Leao from Italian Serie A club AC Milan. Although Leao plays primarily as a left-winger and Sane operates on the right, the arrival of the Portuguese forward creates further competition across the front line.
If Leao is selected to start on the left wing, regular starter Baris Alper Yilmaz could be shifted to the right flank. Such a tactical shuffle would further hinder Sane's chances of reclaiming a regular spot in the starting team.
Contract and previous season performance
Sane joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in June 2025, signing a three-year contract. Official figures released by the club confirmed that the former Premier League star earns a guaranteed salary of £7.66 million per year, alongside an additional loyalty bonus.
During his debut campaign in Turkey, the winger played a major role as Galatasaray won both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Super Cup. He recorded seven goals and nine assists across 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season with the club.
Upcoming Turkish Super Lig fixture
Galatasaray currently sit top of the Turkish Super Lig table as they prepare for Friday's derby match away to city rivals Istanbul Basaksehir. It remains uncertain what role Sane will play in the fixture as he seeks to re-establish himself in the team.
