Osimhen Happy At Galatasaray Despite Salary Rumours In Turkey

Reports in Turkey suggesting that Galatasaray are struggling to meet their wage commitments have sparked fresh debate over the club’s finances, but sources in Istanbul insist there is no cause for alarm and that Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen remains content.

Turkish newspaper Hürriyet claimed that several players have gone unpaid for between two and three months. The report surfaced shortly after Galatasaray’s emphatic 5-2 win over Juventus was followed by a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Konyaspor, prompting speculation about team selection and dressing room morale.

According to the publication, Osimhen, who earns a reported €15 million net per year, has yet to receive his January and February salaries.

The striker, currently the highest-paid player in the Süper Lig, was absent from the loss in Konya due to a knee problem. He is, however, expected to travel for the Champions League knockout play-off second leg in Turin.

“Osimhen is said to have been reluctant to take any risks, especially considering the return match against Juventus,” the report added.

Financial figures circulating in Turkey place Osimhen at the summit of the league’s earnings chart. Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Ederson reportedly earns €11 million, while Galatasaray winger Leroy Sané is said to be on €9 million. Milan Škriniar and Marco Asensio are both believed to receive €8 million, with Mauro Icardi earning €6 million.

The scale of spending has not gone unnoticed. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk recently acknowledged the rising financial demands at the club.

“Galatasaray’s transfer fees and salaries have been going up since last year. With Osimhen’s transfer fee and salary, you could probably put together a full team,” Buruk said via the club’s official website.

“We need to take these things into account. We brought in some very important players for the team, such as Singo, Uğurcan, Sané, and İlkay. Every team has a budget, and when you set up budgets at the start of the season, you need to follow that budget closely.”

Despite the headlines, individuals close to the club have dismissed suggestions of unrest. Club insider Arda Özkurt moved swiftly to quash talk of discontent.

“All the news regarding Victor Osimhen, that he’s not getting paid or is unhappy, is completely baseless. Osimhen is happy at Galatasaray, there’s no issue whatsoever,” he said on social media platform 𝕏.

Journalist Haluk Yürekli also argued that while Galatasaray’s wage bill is undeniably high, the idea that the club cannot honour its commitments is inaccurate. He added that the defeat to Konyaspor had nothing to do with financial strain.

Another respected voice, Nevzat Dindar, rejected claims that the 27-year-old had issued formal warnings over delayed payments.

“The claim that Osimhen sent a warning letter to the club due to delayed payments is absolutely untrue. Players coming from abroad are used to delays within the legal limits (three months) and are understanding of this,” he said.

Further clarification came from Erdem Açıkgöz, who stated that the striker has already received €6 million in image rights income tied to advertising revenues.

“Osimhen has received the full amount of the €6m image rights income. However, for every advertising revenue above this amount, a share will also go to Galatasaray. In short, there is no extraordinary problem at all. While Osimhen receives his salary, he also generates money for the club,” he said.

On the pitch, focus now shifts back to Europe. Osimhen returned to training on Monday as preparations intensified for Wednesday’s decisive Champions League encounter in Turin.