Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has acknowledged that the huge financial package involved in signing Victor Osimhen is so substantial it could fund the construction of an entire squad.
The Turkish Super Lig champions secured Osimhen on a permanent deal last summer following a successful loan spell from Napoli. Despite heavy interest from clubs in the Premier League and Saudi Arabia, Galatasaray activated the striker’s €75 million release clause to complete the transfer.
The former African Footballer of the Year ended his five-year spell in Naples to return to Istanbul, becoming one of the club’s highest earners. Osimhen reportedly pockets a guaranteed €15 million annually, plus a €1 million net loyalty bonus and an extra €5 million per year in image rights.
Over the four-year length of his contract, Galatasaray’s total spending on the Nigerian forward is estimated at around €159 million.
Reacting after Galatasaray’s 3–1 Turkish Cup win over Istanbulspor, Buruk admitted the club’s spending has risen sharply and warned about the need for careful financial planning.
“Galatasaray’s transfer fees and player salaries have increased since last year. With Osimhen’s transfer fee and wages, you could almost build a full team. These are factors we must consider,” Buruk said, as quoted on the club’s official website.
He added, “We have strengthened the squad with key players like Singo, Uğurcan, Sané and İlkay. Every club works within a budget, and once those limits are set at the start of the season, it’s important to stay within them.”
Ahead of an important Super Lig clash against Rizespor, Buruk chose to rest Osimhen during Wednesday’s cup tie against Istanbulspor, keeping the striker fresh for upcoming league matches.