‘His salary is also a huge burden’ - Galatasaray manager claims Super Eagles star’s wages is a problem

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has acknowledged the significant financial strain placed on the club by the record-breaking summer signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

To secure the highly sought-after forward, Galatasaray committed to an unprecedented financial package, a move that is now impacting their operational flexibility.

The deal, which includes his salary, is projected to cost Galatasaray up to €150 million, a figure Buruk described as a "huge burden."

The transfer shattered previous records in the Turkish Super Lig, where no club had previously spent more than €30 million on a single player. 

Buruk speaks on Osimhen’s salaray

The squad's lack of depth has become a pressing issue, forcing Buruk to occasionally rely on academy players to fill the bench. 

When questioned about potential January reinforcements following the loss in Monaco, the coach pointed to the financial constraints imposed by the Osimhen deal.

"There are no defenders left on the reserve bench. If someone got injured, there would be no solution," Buruk stated, according to Sport News. 

"We are going through a difficult period, and we have not been able to get the desired results from some players."

He elaborated on the financial limitations, explaining, "There are salary budget restrictions from both the TFF and UEFA for transfers. We bought Osimhen for 75 million euros, and his salary is also a huge burden."

"We brought in important players like Sane, İlkay, Singo, but no one could have foreseen this scenario," he added. "The responsibility is mine. We will make a correct plan in the winter transfer window."