Galatasaray Signs Deniz Gul from Porto for 10 Million Euros
Galatasaray have pushed a major deal over the line on deadline day, sealing the signing of Turkish international striker Deniz Gul from FC Porto in a move worth 10 million euros.
The 22-year-old arrived in Istanbul on 1 September 2026 by private jet, touching down at Ataturk Airport to a noisy reception from club officials and a cluster of excited supporters. Gul stepped off the plane, joined in a classic Galatasaray chant with the fans, then disappeared into the night for his medical checks. The message was clear: he is here to lead the line, and he wants everyone to know it.
Big fee, big commitment
Galatasaray confirmed the transfer to the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), announcing a total package of 10 million euros agreed with Porto. The Portuguese club have also secured a 10% share of any future profit should Gul be sold on, underlining how highly they still rate the forward.
The Super Lig champions have tied Gul down on a five-year contract starting with the 2026-27 season. He will earn a guaranteed net annual salary of 1.5 million euros during his stay in Istanbul, a significant investment for a player still at the start of his senior career.
“I’m very happy. I’m very excited,” Gul said on arrival. “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 in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother, Gul built his game in Sweden’s youth systems before breaking through at Hammarby IF. His blend of physical presence and penalty-box instinct quickly drew attention across Europe, and Porto moved first, signing him in August 2024 on a contract running until 2029.
That spell in Portugal gave him a taste of top-level European football. Now, at 22, he arrives in Istanbul with the kind of experience Galatasaray believe can translate into goals on both domestic and continental stages.
His international journey has been just as decisive. Gul represented Sweden at Under-19 level, but in November 2024 he committed his senior future to Turkey. National team coach Vincenzo Montella rewarded that decision with a first senior call-up for UEFA Nations League fixtures in March 2025, fast-tracking him into the international setup.
Instant impact expected
Once the medical was completed and the paperwork signed, there was no talk of easing him in. Galatasaray plan to integrate Gul straight into first-team training, adding a fresh, powerful option to an already ambitious attacking unit.
His arrival gives the champions crucial depth up front as they look to defend their Super Lig crown and make a statement in Europe. A physically strong forward with European experience at 22 is a rare commodity; Galatasaray have moved to secure him for his peak years.
Now the focus shifts to the pitch. Gul’s next step is simple but unforgiving: win a place, earn his debut, and prove he can become a central figure of Galatasaray’s 2026-27 campaign at RAMS Park.
