Galatasaray President Insists: ‘We Are Not Owing Osimhen A Dime!’

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has forcefully rejected claims that star striker Victor Osimhen and his teammates are facing unpaid wages.

Reports in Turkish media suggested the Nigerian forward had gone months without receiving his salary, fueling speculation after fans noticed his muted goal celebrations, including a subdued reaction to his decisive strike against Juventus in the Champions League.

While many linked Osimhen’s restrained demeanor to a supposed pay dispute, the player himself explained that his quiet celebration was a mark of respect for Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, who had guided him during Napoli’s title-winning campaign.

Despite this clarification, rumours persisted, prompting Özbek to issue a sharp rebuttal.

‘Galatasaray is an elite institution,’ he said. ‘If players were unpaid for months, they simply wouldn’t take the pitch. These reports insult their professionalism. We have not defaulted on a single lira, not one.’

He stressed that all bonuses and contractual incentives are being processed on schedule.

Off-field noise has done little to derail Galatasaray’s momentum. Under Okan Buruk, the team is enjoying one of its finest seasons in recent memory.

They sit four points clear of rivals Fenerbahçe in the Süper Lig, have reached the Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in over a decade with a clash against Liverpool looming, and are preparing for a Turkish Cup tie against Alanyaspor.

Osimhen’s influence has been immense, with 10 league goals and 7 in Europe already to his name.

The club, however, is taking a cautious approach with their talisman. He is expected to be rested for the upcoming cup fixture, with his fitness being preserved for the high-stakes Istanbul derby against Beşiktaş.

Victory there could further cement Galatasaray’s grip on the title race.