Victor Osimhen Reportedly Goes on Strike Over Unpaid Galatasaray Wages
Turkish media reports indicate that Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has taken drastic action against Galatasaray by refusing to play following two months of unpaid salary. The Super Eagles striker, who became the most expensive signing in Turkish football history when he joined permanently last summer, is reportedly withholding his services until the financial dispute is resolved.
Conflicting Reports Surround Osimhen's Absence
While Galatasaray officials have publicly attributed Osimhen's absence from their recent 2-0 defeat against Konyaspor to knee pain, multiple Turkish journalists and social media speculation suggest the real reason involves unpaid wages. Club executives speaking to Turkish daily Sabah have strongly denied these allegations, insisting that player performance and availability remain unaffected by any financial concerns.
Head coach Okan Buruk provided the official explanation for Osimhen's exclusion from the weekend match, stating, "We had played him before with similar pain, but when he said the pain was more severe today, we did not take the risk." However, persistent rumors circulating on social media platforms claim that Galatasaray's squad has not received salaries for up to three months, raising serious questions about team morale and dressing room stability.
Record-Breaking Transfer and Contract Details
Victor Osimhen's move to Galatasaray represents a landmark transaction in Turkish football history. The Nigerian forward joined the Istanbul club permanently last summer from Napoli for a staggering €75 million transfer fee, making him the most expensive signing ever in Turkish football. His contract, which runs until 2029, includes an annual salary of €15 million plus substantial bonuses and image rights payments.
The complete financial package for the 27-year-old striker includes:
- €15 million annual base salary
- €1 million loyalty bonus
- €5 million in image rights payments
This lucrative contract underscores Osimhen's importance to Galatasaray's strategic planning and attacking capabilities, making his satisfaction both on and off the pitch crucial for the club's success.
Osimhen's Impact on Galatasaray's Performance
The absence of the 2023 African Ballon d'Or winner has been keenly felt throughout Galatasaray's season. Statistical analysis reveals that excluding national team duty commitments, Galatasaray has played thirteen matches without Osimhen this season, winning only six of those contests. This represents a significant drop in performance that highlights the Nigerian striker's importance to the team.
Osimhen has been remarkably productive since joining Galatasaray, scoring 37 goals and providing 8 assists in just 41 matches across all competitions. This season alone, he has netted 15 goals in 23 appearances, demonstrating his consistent scoring threat. His overall contribution stands at an impressive 52 goals and 10 assists in 64 games for the Turkish champions.
European Interest and Future Considerations
The ongoing salary dispute comes at a time when Osimhen's dominant performances have attracted significant attention from top European clubs. According to reports, Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have expressed interest in the Nigerian forward following his exceptional season in Turkey. This external interest could potentially influence how Galatasaray handles the current financial situation with their star player.
While club executives maintain that no financial issues are affecting the squad, the persistent speculation about unpaid salaries creates additional pressure for an Istanbul side that aspires to both domestic dominance and European success. The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate this delicate period in their professional relationship.
