Karan: Without Osimhen, Galatasaray Would Be Sixth in Süper Lig
Former Galatasaray striker Ümit Karan has warned that the Turkish champions could struggle badly without Victor Osimhen, claiming the Nigerian forward is carrying the team almost single-handedly.
Galatasaray opened their 2026/27 Süper Lig campaign with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Çorum FK at Rams Park, with Osimhen scoring both goals, including a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser that rescued a point for the champions.
Speaking on the SporON YouTube channel, Karan praised Osimhen’s contribution but expressed concern over the team’s lack of depth, particularly if the striker leaves amid continuing transfer speculation.
‘What if this wasn’t Osimhen? Osimhen has teamed up alone, he is shouldering it alone. Osimhen will be removed from this team, Galatasaray will be sixth in the league,’ Karan said.
The former striker also criticised the quality of Galatasaray’s substitutes, arguing that the team currently lacks players capable of changing the outcome of difficult matches.
‘Friends are shouting S.O.S. I need a football player. I need a number 10. Look at the players who entered the game. There is not a single player who can change the fate of the match,’ he said.
Karan suggested that Galatasaray could still make several additions before the transfer window closes, adding that the club may need as many as four new signings to strengthen its squad.
‘They say there is a good in every evil, maybe four transfers will come down this week. How else can I console myself?’ he said.
He particularly called for the arrival of an attacking midfielder capable of unlocking tightly contested games, while also questioning the form and suitability of some players in the current squad.
‘This team should definitely have a number 10,’ Karan added.
Osimhen’s display against Çorum FK further underlined his importance to Galatasaray. The Nigerian scored twice to take his tally for the club to 61 goals in 75 appearances, strengthening his status as one of the champions’ most influential players as uncertainty over his future continues.
