Galatasaray Signs Deniz Gul from Porto in Major Transfer
Galatasaray have pulled off a major late-window move, completing the signing of Turkish international striker Deniz Gul from FC Porto just before the transfer deadline.
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 sizeable crowd of supporters. Gul stepped off the plane, joined in a classic Galatasaray chant with the fans and was quickly whisked away for his medical.
Big fee, big commitment
The Turkish champions informed the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) that they have agreed a total transfer fee of 10 million euros with Porto. The deal also hands the Portuguese club a 10% share of any future profit should Galatasaray sell the forward on.
Gul has signed a five-year contract starting from the 2026-27 season and will earn a guaranteed net salary of 1.5 million euros per year during his stay in Istanbul. It is a long-term bet on a player the club believes can lead their line for years.
“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.”
He made it clear he wants to plug straight into the squad and begin his new chapter at RAMS Park without delay.
From Stockholm streets to Istanbul spotlight
Born and raised in Stockholm to a Turkish father and Swedish mother, Gul came through youth systems in Sweden before breaking through at Hammarby IF. His scoring form there pushed him onto the radar of major European clubs and earned him a move to FC Porto in August 2024 on a contract running until 2029.
At international level, he first represented Sweden at Under-19 level. The turning point came in November 2024, when he committed his senior international future to Turkey. That decision was quickly rewarded: national team manager Vincenzo Montella called him up for UEFA Nations League fixtures in March 2025.
Now, at 22, Gul returns to Turkish football for the first time as a professional, this time as a full international and a forward with top-level European experience under his belt.
Instant impact expected
After completing his medical examinations and signing the final paperwork, Gul is set to join first-team training immediately under the Galatasaray coaching staff.
His arrival strengthens the forward rotation and gives the champions extra physical presence and versatility up front as they look to defend their Super Lig crown and navigate another demanding European campaign.
The next step is clear. Gul will chase his debut and fight to turn this high-profile move into something more lasting: a starting place, goals at RAMS Park, and a central role in Galatasaray’s 2026-27 story.
