Besiktas Legend Delivers Harsh Truth About Galatasaray's Osimhen Dependency
Turkish football legend Sinan Engin has issued a stern warning to rivals Galatasaray, claiming the championship team loses its competitive identity when Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is absent from the lineup. The Besiktas icon made these remarks following Galatasaray's narrow 3-2 victory over Genclerbirligi Ankara at Rams Park, a match that exposed the team's vulnerabilities without their star attacker.
Osimhen's Absence Creates Visible Void in Galatasaray Attack
Engin, a respected former Black Eagles midfielder with over 15 years of football experience, didn't mince words when assessing Galatasaray's current situation. Speaking to Habersarikirmizi.com, he stated bluntly: "Galatasaray is never going to hold together without Osimhen. Without Osimhen, Galatasaray looks like a very normal team." These comments come at a critical juncture for the Turkish club, with Osimhen sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during Nigeria's heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff.
The timing of Engin's observation proved particularly relevant during Galatasaray's recent match. Despite eventually securing all three points, the champions endured a sluggish and anxious first half where they struggled to break through even with dominant possession. The situation worsened when M'Baye Niang stunned the home crowd by giving Genclerbirligi the lead in the 22nd minute, leaving fans unsettled as they witnessed an attack clearly lacking its usual sharpness.
Galatasaray's Comeback Victory Masks Deeper Concerns
Everything changed after halftime when Okan Buruk's side emerged transformed, producing a blistering 11-minute surge that flipped the match on its head. According to beIN Sports reports, Mauro Icardi struck first in the 55th minute by pouncing on a loose ball. Just two minutes later, Barıs Alper Yılmaz fired in a powerful effort to complete the turnaround. İlkay Gundogan added a third in the 66th minute with a precise strike from distance that seemed to seal the win for the defending champions.
However, defensive lapses allowed Genclerbirligi to stay alive, and the final stages were marked by frantic action and two red cards. Even in victory, Galatasaray's lack of cohesion during the first half reinforced Engin's argument that the team becomes significantly more vulnerable when their Nigerian talisman is unavailable.
Race Against Time for Champions League and Derby Clash
The concern around Osimhen's absence is well-founded given his extraordinary impact since joining Galatasaray permanently after a sensational loan spell last season. The 26-year-old forward has already scored nine goals in 12 appearances this season and leads the UEFA Champions League scoring charts with six goals, making him essential to the team's domestic and European ambitions.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has confirmed that Osimhen is undergoing a two-week recovery program following his injury. The Turkish club faces a race against time to have him ready for their crucial Champions League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise and the massive derby against Fenerbahçe on December 1. Meanwhile, European giants Barcelona and PSG continue to monitor Osimhen's situation, adding further intrigue to the striker's future at the club.
In a related development, Ozbek has previously confirmed that Galatasaray is open to offers for the Nigerian forward, highlighting that Osimhen's age and performance make the 2023 CAF Player of the Year winner a prime candidate for a future transfer.
