Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has hit back at mounting speculation regarding the club’s financial health, categorically denying reports that star forward Victor Osimhen and his teammates are facing unpaid wages.
The controversy erupted over the past week as several Turkish media outlets alleged that the Nigerian international had gone up to three months without a paycheck. Speculation intensified after fans noticed a string of “muted” goal celebrations from the striker, most notably his restrained reaction after scoring a vital winner against Juventus in the Champions League.
The “Spalletti Factor” vs. Financial Friction
While theorists linked Osimhen’s stoic demeanor to a salary dispute, the player himself offered a different explanation. Osimhen clarified that his lack of celebration against Juventus was a gesture of respect for their manager, Luciano Spalletti, his former mentor during their title-winning stint at Napoli.
Despite the clarification, the rumors persisted, prompting a fiery response from the 76-year-old Özbek.
“Galatasaray is an elite institution,” Özbek was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football. “You cannot lead world-class footballers with empty promises. If players were unpaid for months, they simply wouldn’t take the pitch. These reports are an insult to their professionalism. We have not defaulted on a single lira—not one.”
The president emphasized that all bonuses and incentives within the players’ lucrative contracts are being processed on schedule.
Success on the Pitch Amid Off-Field Noise
Despite the tabloid distractions, the “Lions” are enjoying a historic campaign under manager Okan Buruk. The club is currently firing on all cylinders across three major competitions:
Süper Lig: They hold a commanding four-point lead over arch-rivals Fenerbahçe.
Champions League: For the first time in over a decade, the club has reached the Round of 16, where a massive tie against Liverpool awaits.
Turkish Cup: The squad is currently preparing for a knockout fixture against Alanyaspor.
Managing the Talisman
Osimhen’s impact this season has been undeniable, racking up 10 league goals and 7 in European competition. However, the club is taking a “safety first” approach with their prized asset.
Osimhen is expected to be rested for the upcoming cup game against Alanyaspor. The coaching staff is reportedly prioritizing his fitness for this weekend’s high-voltage Istanbul derby against Beşiktaş, where a win could further cement their status as title favorites.
