Osimhen Deal Could Fund Entire Squad, Admits Galatasaray Boss Okan Buruk

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that the financial commitment involved in signing Victor Osimhen is so large that it could cover the cost of building a full team.

The Turkish Super Lig champions completed a permanent move for Osimhen last summer after an impressive loan spell from Napoli. Despite strong interest from Premier League and Saudi Arabian clubs, Galatasaray triggered Osimhen’s €75 million release clause to secure his signature.

The former African Footballer of the Year ended his five-year stay in Naples to return to Istanbul, where he is now one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history.

Osimhen earns a guaranteed €15 million per year, alongside a net loyalty bonus of €1 million per season and an additional €5 million annually in image rights.

With a four-year contract in place, Galatasaray’s total financial outlay for the striker is estimated to reach €159 million over the duration of the deal.

Speaking after Galatasaray’s 3-1 Turkish Cup victory over Istanbulspor, Buruk reflected on the club’s rising expenditure while stressing the need for financial caution.

“Galatasaray’s transfer fees and salaries have been increasing since last year. With Osimhen’s transfer fee and salary, you could probably build a complete team. We need to take these things into account,” Okan Buruk was quoted as saying by Galatasaray’s official webpage.

“We added really important players to the squad like Singo, Uğurcan, Sané, and İlkay. Every team has a budget, and when you create budgets at the beginning of the season, you need to stick within that budget.”

With a crucial Super Lig fixture against Rizespor approaching, Buruk opted to rest Osimhen for Wednesday’s match against Istanbulspor, prioritising the striker’s fitness for upcoming league action.