Galatasaray suffering striker crisis despite Osimhen signing

Defending Turkish champions Galatasaray are days away from kicking off the 2025–26 Super Lig season, but could do so without a single available senior striker.

Despite signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli, injuries, delays, and exits now threaten to derail their season before it begins.

Argentine striker Mauro Icardi remains out of action after tearing his ACL in November during a clash with Tottenham.

Although he is back in camp and undergoing individual training, Galatasaray’s medical staff and coach Okan Buruk are unwilling to take risks. Icardi, now club captain, is targeting a return in September, meaning he will miss the opening weeks.

Victor Osimhen’s signing has excited fans, but the Nigerian forward has yet to arrive in Türkiye. Though a full agreement with Napoli is in place, Osimhen didn’t participate in pre-season for either club and lacks match fitness.

He is expected to be officially unveiled during the August 2 friendly against Lazio, but is unlikely to feature in the league opener on August 8.

Alvaro Morata, meanwhile, is nearing the exit. Como have confirmed an agreement with Morata and parent club Milan.

Left out of the Strasbourg friendly and unhappy with his reduced role and rumored rift with Icardi, the Spaniard wants to leave immediately.

With Icardi recovering, Osimhen unavailable, and Morata pushing to leave, Galatasaray might start the season without a recognised striker.

Coach Buruk is now facing a serious selection dilemma, possibly relying on youth players or makeshift forwards.

Despite assembling one of Europe’s most high-profile attacking line-ups, injuries, registration issues, and internal friction have left the squad thin up front just as the title defence is about to begin.