Galatasaray began their defence of the Turkish Super Lig crown with a statement 3-0 victory away to Gaziantep, but all eyes were on the absence of their record signing, Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okan Buruk’s side controlled the game from start to finish, with summer arrival Leroy Sané producing a confident display on his debut following his move from Bayern Munich.
Yet it was the man who powered Gala to last season’s league and cup double, now secured permanently from Napoli in a €75 million transfer, who was missing from the matchday squad.
The deal for Osimhen was completed on July 31, with the Nigerian striker arriving in Turkey shortly after to undergo medical tests before his official unveiling. However, his name was conspicuously absent when the teams were announced for the August 8 opener.
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Speaking after the game, Buruk clarified the decision, revealing a frank discussion with the 26-year-old striker before the trip to Gaziantep.
What Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk said about Victor Osimhen
“Osimhen had a five- or six-day training period,” Buruk said as per CNN Turk.
“Playing here during that period could have been risky for him. I spoke to him about this. He said he was thinking of resting up this match and at least getting some playing time for the next one.”
Osimhen’s absence is expected to be short-lived, with Buruk hinting the striker could feature when Galatasaray host Fatih Karagümrük on August 15.
Supporters will be eager to see the man who netted 37 goals and added eight assists whileon loan last season make his competitive return. That is especially after a summer transfer saga that ended with Galatasaray smashing their transfer record to keep him in Istanbul.
Off the pitch, worshippers in Konya are dissatisfied that one of their most prominent mosques have been renamed after Victor Osimhen.