Galatasaray began their Turkish Super Lig title defence with a convincing 3-0 win away to Gaziantep, but much of the post-match discussion centred on Victor Osimhen’s absence.
Head coach Okan Buruk guided his side to a dominant performance. New signing Leroy Sané, fresh from Bayern Munich, impressed on debut, linking well with the midfield and creating several scoring chances. Despite the strong team display, the spotlight shifted to the missing name on the squad list, Osimhen.
Galatasaray secured Osimhen’s permanent transfer from Napoli on July 31 for a club-record €75 million. The Nigerian striker enjoyed a remarkable loan spell last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. His goals were instrumental in winning the league and cup double.
Osimhen’s arrival in Istanbul generated excitement across Turkey. He passed his medical tests, signed the deal, and was presented to fans at a packed unveiling ceremony. However, when the matchday squad for the August 8 season opener was released, his name was absent.
Speaking after the game, Buruk gave a clear reason for the decision:
“Osimhen trained for only five or six days. Playing so soon could have been risky. We agreed he would rest for this match and focus on the next one.”
Buruk added that the striker is likely to return when Galatasaray face Fatih Karagümrük on August 15, giving supporters hope of seeing their star forward back on the pitch.
Fans Anticipate Osimhen’s Return
Osimhen’s permanent signing ended months of transfer speculation. Galatasaray fought off interest from several European clubs to secure his services. Supporters now expect him to spearhead another title challenge.
Off the pitch, Osimhen has also made headlines. In Konya, some residents criticised the renaming of a mosque in his honour, sparking public debate.
For now, Galatasaray fans are counting the days until August 15, eager to witness Osimhen’s return and the continuation of his remarkable scoring form in Istanbul.
