⚽ Leroy Sane Warned He Could End Up Like Ex-Chelsea Flop After ‘Underestimating’ Galatasaray Challenge Amid Rough Start In Turkey

Leroy Sane’s move to Galatasaray was meant to be a fresh start — a chance to rediscover his spark after leaving Bayern Munich. But just a few months into his Turkish adventure, things haven’t exactly gone as planned.

The German winger has endured a rocky start in Istanbul, struggling to secure a consistent role under Okan Buruk and facing mounting criticism over his fitness and attitude. Now, a former player has issued a stern warning — comparing Sane’s situation to that of Hakim Ziyech, whose time at Galatasaray ended in disappointment.

Sane Struggling To Find His Rhythm

Sane joined Galatasaray on a free transfer during the summer, a move that sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike. However, his performances have been far from inspiring.

The 29-year-old has yet to cement a regular spot in the starting XI and was notably benched for the entire 90 minutes in Galatasaray’s famous 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool. His inconsistency has raised eyebrows — and now, concerns.

Erdem: “He Needs To Get His Head Straight”

Former Galatasaray player Alparslan Erdem, who spent two years at the club, believes Sane’s struggles stem from a lack of focus and fitness. Speaking on a Bild podcast, Erdem didn’t hold back:

“I think he wasn’t fit enough and needs to get his head straight first. Gala have now won in the Champions League against Liverpool without Sane. He didn’t even play for a minute, which says something.”

Erdem then drew a parallel to Hakim Ziyech, the ex-Chelsea and Ajax star who joined Galatasaray but failed to make an impact.

“Ziyech wasn’t as big a name as Sane, but he wasn’t fit enough either. Buruk gave him a few chances — five, six, seven, eight games — and very quickly, they let him go. It just didn’t work out.”

“Sane Has Underestimated Galatasaray”

Ziyech’s time in Turkey ended with his contract being mutually terminated, leaving him clubless just months later. Erdem fears Sane could face the same fate if he doesn’t adjust quickly.

“I think Sane has underestimated that a little,” he added. “He may think he can get by at Gala without giving 100 per cent, but football isn’t like that. No matter where you play, if you’re not fully committed, it can go downhill fast — you could even find yourself in the second division.”

With the Turkish Super Lig known for its passionate fans and unforgiving expectations, Sane’s Galatasaray chapter could either be a comeback story — or another cautionary tale.