Similar to Barcelona: Why Turkish League could block Galatasaray from registering Victor Osimhen

Faruq Ibrahim 11:28 - 11 July 2025

It has been a poor summer for Osimhen and other Super Eagles stars [Pulsesports.ng]

Osimhen in Galatasaray colours (Image Source: IMAGO)

Galatasaray have a major problem, as the Turkish Football Federation could refuse to issue Victor Osimhen a playing license.

Galatasaray could find themselves in a similar financial quagmire to that which Barcelona have suffered the last few years if they go ahead with the signing of Victor Osimhen, as it would take them close to their spending limit.

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What signing Victor Osimhen entails

The Cim-Bom have reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Nigerian for figures in the region of €16 million annually.

They will also have to pay his €75 million release clause, as Napoli have rejected every offer below the stated clause. However, there are fresh reports that the Turkish champions are prepared to pay the value of the clause but in instalments.

Victor Osimhen. Photos: Imago

The registration problem

Similar to LALIGA, the Turkish Football Federation announces a yearly spending limit for Super Lig clubs, and part of the punishment for going above the limit is the inability to register new signings.

Turkish football analyst Gurcan Bilgic warned that Galatasaray are dangerously close to the limit, especially if they have to pay the full release clause up front, citing previous occurrences.

“The TFF announced the limits. Galatasaray's limit is €125-130 million,” he said, per GsGazette. “If Galatasaray signs Victor Osimhen, they'll pay €75 million.

Victor Osimhen celebrates Galatasary's 25th Super Lig title with his girlfriend Stefanie Kim Ladewig and his daughter Hailey True

“Who will they sign with the remaining limit money? That limit money even includes the facilities' electricity bills. Therefore, Osimhen shouldn't have a license. In such a case, the Federation won't issue a license.

"Back then, Fenerbahçe couldn't sign a left-back. That's a lot of money in today's economy. Galatasaray bought Drogba and Sneijder. They would have been fined by UEFA. They resorted to the Banks' Association to cover their debts. Fans don't care about such things. The directors bankrupted the clubs because they were caught up in this.”

TFF Limit for Turkish clubs

According to Haberler, the TFF’s Club Licensing arm, per its Financial Sustainability Regulation, published the following as the top five spending limits for Turkish Super Lig clubs.