Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has openly admitted that the substantial financial outlay for star striker Victor Osimhen could, in fact, bankroll an entire football squad.
Buruk’s comments come as the Turkish Super Lig champions grapple with escalating transfer fees and player salaries, a trend he highlighted following Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Istanbulspor in the Turkish Cup.
The Nigerian international, who enjoyed a successful loan spell, was permanently acquired by Galatasaray last summer from Napoli for a hefty €75 million, fending off interest from top clubs in the Premier League and Saudi Arabia.
Osimhen’s lucrative four-year contract guarantees him an annual salary of €15 million, supplemented by a net loyalty bonus of €1 million per season and a further €5 million per year in image rights. This brings the total cost for Galatasaray over the duration of the agreement to an estimated €159 million.
Speaking on the club’s official webpage, Buruk stated, “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. We need to take these things into account.” He further acknowledged the acquisition of other “very important players” like Singo, Uğurcan, Sané, and İlkay, stressing the importance of adhering to pre-season budgets.
Buruk opted to rest Osimhen for the recent Turkish Cup fixture, presumably to keep him fresh for the upcoming Super Lig clash against Rizespor. His remarks underscore the significant financial commitment Galatasaray has made in securing the services of the former African Footballer of the Year, a decision that clearly weighs on the club’s financial planning.
