Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that the club’s finances have been significantly affected by the arrival of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen last summer, SportPremi reports.
The Turkish champions shattered their club-record fee when they completed a €75 million move for the Nigerian forward last summer from Napoli, making him the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history.
The Lions also signed Wilfried Singo for about €31 million and goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir for about €27.5 million, taking their total summer expenditure to well over €100 million.
Osimhen also earns about €20 million per year according to Capology, which meant Galatasaray’s total investment in the Nigerian striker exceeded €100 million.
The Super Eagles forward previously spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the club, where he helped them to the league and cup double triumphs.
However, the club have been inconsistent lately and have lost three of their last six in all competitions, including last Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.
They have also suffered injuries to most of their key members and have a major task ahead especially with Osimhen set to miss the next few weeks of action due to commitment with Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
What Okan Buruk said
After the defeat to Monaco in the UCL on Tuesday night, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk spoke to the press about the club’s growing injury list and their plans for reinforcements in the January transfer window.
“There are no defenders left on the reserve bench. If someone got injured, there would be no solution”, Buruk revealed.
“We are going through a difficult period, and we have not been able to get the desired results from some players.
“There are salary budget restrictions from both the TFF and UEFA for transfers. We bought Osimhen for 75 million euros, and his salary is also a huge burden. We brought in important players like Sane, İlkay, Singo, but no one could have foreseen this scenario”, he continued.
“After the November break, it became difficult to fill the reserve bench. The responsibility is mine. We will make a correct plan in the winter transfer window. If we continue in the Champions League, we will prepare accordingly.”
Osimhen is expected to feature in Galatasaray’s next league match against Antalyaspor on Saturday, before heading to the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
