There has been renewed discussion over Galatasaray’s financial situation due to reports in Turkey that the team is having trouble paying its employees. However, sources in Istanbul maintain that there is no need for concern and that Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen is still happy.
According to the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, a number of players had been unpaid for two to three months. Following Galatasaray’s convincing 5-2 victory against Juventus and their sad 2-0 loss to Konyaspor on the road, the story appeared, sparking rumors over the team’s lineup and locker room mood.
Osimhen, who reportedly makes €15 million net annually, has not yet received his January and February wages, according to the publication.
Due to a knee issue, the striker—who now earns the highest salary in the Süper Lig—was unable to play in the Konya loss. However, he is anticipated to travel to Turin for the second leg of the Champions League elimination play-off.
According to the source, “Osimhen is said to have been reluctant to take any risks, especially considering the return match against Juventus.”
Osimhen is at the top of the league’s earnings chart, according to financial data that is circulating in Turkey. Leroy Sané, a winger for Galatasaray, is said to make €9 million, while Ederson, the goalkeeper for Fenerbahçe, is said to make €11 million. Mauro Icardi is expected to get €6 million, while Milan Škriniar and Marco Asensio are expected to collect €8 million.
The extent of the expenditures has not been overlooked. Okan Buruk, the manager of Galatasaray, recently admitted that the club’s financial needs are growing.
Salary and transfer fees at Galatasaray have increased since the previous year. Buruk stated on the club’s official website, “You could probably put together a full team with Osimhen’s transfer fee and salary.”
These are factors that we must consider. Singo, Uğurcan, Sané, and İlkay are among the key players we brought in for the team. Every team has a budget, which must be strictly adhered to when it is established at the beginning of the season.
People connected to the club have brushed off rumors of discontent despite the headlines. Club insider Arda Özkurt acted quickly to silence dissenting voices.
“All of the rumors that Victor Osimhen is dissatisfied or not getting paid are utterly unfounded. Osimhen posted on social media that he was happy at Galatasaray and that there were no problems at all.
Journalist Haluk Yürekli further contended that although Galatasaray has an unquestionably high pay cost, it is untrue to say that the team is unable to fulfill its obligations. He went on to say that financial strain had nothing to do with Konyaspor’s loss.
Nevzat Dindar, another well-known voice, denied rumors that the 27-year-old had given official warnings for late payments.
“It is completely false to say that Osimhen sent the club a warning letter because his payments were late. International players are accustomed to delays that fall inside the three-month legal window and are cognizant of this, he said.
Erdem Açıkgöz clarified further, saying that the striker has already collected €6 million in earnings from image rights linked to advertising.
“The entire €6 million in revenue from image rights has been given to Osimhen. However, Galatasaray will also receive a portion of any advertising revenue that exceeds this threshold. To put it briefly, there isn’t a unique issue at all. Osimhen makes money for the club in addition to getting paid, he stated.
Now, attention returns to Europe on the field. As preparations grew for Wednesday’s pivotal Champions League match in Turin, Osimhen resumed training on Monday.
