Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has drawn a direct comparison between Victor Osimhen and two of European football’s most prominent forwards, describing the Nigerian international as equally indispensable to his side as Kylian Mbappe is to Real Madrid and Harry Kane is to Bayern Munich.
Speaking after a training session, Buruk was unequivocal about Osimhen’s value to the club, emphasising that players of his calibre are essential for any team competing at the top level, particularly during the most demanding stages of a title campaign. The Galatasaray manager also acknowledged personal responsibility for a recent dip in results, during which the club dropped five points across three matches, while expressing confidence that his squad retains the quality to clinch a fourth successive league title.
Osimhen has suffered three injury setbacks this season, but Buruk framed such challenges as an inherent feature of elite-level football rather than a cause for concern. The 26-year-old has already resumed training as Galatasaray prepare to face Gençlerbirliği, though the club is expected to exercise caution regarding his readiness. A final decision on whether he will feature is anticipated closer to matchday, with the high-stakes derby against Fenerbahce to follow shortly after.
The timing of his potential return is significant. In 19 Super Lig appearances this season, Osimhen has contributed 12 goals and four assists, while also netting seven goals in the UEFA Champions League. Those numbers have been central to Galatasaray’s position at the summit of the Turkish top flight, where they currently hold a narrow advantage over their title rivals.
With only five fixtures remaining in the campaign, the availability of their lead striker could prove to be the defining factor in whether Galatasaray secure another championship. The club’s recent wobble in form has tightened the race, making Osimhen’s recovery all the more consequential.
The Nigerian forward joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 season, having previously spent the second half of 2023-24 on loan at the Istanbul club. His performances have consistently drawn attention from Europe’s biggest clubs, with Barcelona reportedly among the sides monitoring his situation, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future at the Camp Nou. Osimhen’s contract situation at Napoli remains unresolved, adding an additional layer of intrigue to his long-term outlook beyond the current campaign.
For now, however, Buruk’s focus is firmly on the domestic title. Galatasaray are chasing history with a potential fourth consecutive Super Lig crown, and their coach has made clear that Osimhen’s presence — whenever he is deemed fit to return — will be pivotal to achieving that goal.
