Galatasaray Signs Deniz Gul from Porto in Late-Window Transfer
Galatasaray have completed the signing of Turkish international striker Deniz Gul from FC Porto in a headline move sealed just before the transfer window slammed shut.
The 22-year-old arrived in Istanbul on 1 September 2026 by private jet, touching down at Ataturk Airport to a noisy welcome from club officials and a cluster of ecstatic supporters. As he stepped out, Gul joined in with a classic Galatasaray chant, immediately tapping into the energy of his new fanbase before heading off for medical tests.
Big fee, long deal, clear statement
The Super Lig champions notified the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) after agreeing a 10 million euro transfer fee with Porto, a deal that also hands the Portuguese club a 10% share of any future profit on a resale.
Gul has signed a five-year contract beginning with the 2026-27 season. He will earn a guaranteed net annual salary of 1.5 million euros during his stay in Istanbul, underlining Galatasaray’s belief that he is a long-term pillar of their attack rather than a short-term fix.
The forward made no attempt to hide his emotions as he began this new chapter.
"I'm very happy. I'm very excited," Gul said. "I want to meet the team and our fans as soon as possible. The important thing for me right now is to be here. I'm here now and I'm focused on this."
From Stockholm streets to Istanbul spotlight
Born and raised in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother, Gul climbed through Swedish youth systems before breaking through at Hammarby IF, where his goals quickly drew attention from bigger European clubs. Porto moved first, signing him in August 2024 on a contract running until 2029 and giving him a platform in one of Europe’s most renowned talent factories.
His international story has been just as striking. Gul initially represented Sweden at Under-19 level, but in November 2024 he committed his senior future to Turkey. That decision was rewarded when national team manager Vincenzo Montella handed him a call-up for UEFA Nations League fixtures in March 2025.
Now, still only 22, he returns to Turkish football with a sharper edge: physical presence, top-level European experience and the confidence of a player who has already made big career calls and backed them up on the pitch.
Immediate impact expected
After completing his medical checks and signing the final paperwork, Gul is set to link up straight away with first-team training at Galatasaray. The coaching staff gain a powerful new option through the middle, and his arrival adds crucial depth to the forward rotation at a time when the club are juggling the demands of defending their domestic title and pushing on in Europe.
For Gul, the task is clear. Win his debut. Win his place. And then prove that this late-window move can define not just Galatasaray’s season, but the next phase of his own rapidly rising career.
