Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has confirmed the club is eagerly awaiting the arrival of star striker Victor Osimhen as preparations for the new season intensify.
The Nigerian international, who spent a sensational loan spell with the Turkish champions last season, is on the verge of sealing a permanent move to Istanbul.
Although Galatasaray have already played three preseason matches, including Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over Italian Serie A side Cagliari, Buruk revealed he is still holding out for Osimhen’s return to spearhead their title defence.
“I’ve started Barış at center forward,” Buruk said after the Cagliari match as per Nefes.
“He’s played before, but he’s been playing on the wing for a long time. It’s good to have him back at center. Who we’ll start with at the start of the season and how we’ll start is a question mark for us.
“We’re waiting for Victor Osimhen. We want him to arrive as soon as possible, but he’ll also have to undergo training. Icardi’s arrival in the team and Morata’s situation will become clearer.”
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Osimhen enjoyed a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray last season. The former Napoli forward racked up over 40 combined goals and assists, leading Galatasaray to an unforgettable league and cup double.
Despite speculation that he could make a high-profile switch to one of Europe’s elite clubs, the only concrete bids have come from Galatasaray and Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
However, Osimhen has expressed a clear preference to return to the Nef Stadium, prompting Napoli and Galatasaray to accelerate negotiations over a permanent deal.
Although the transfer has dragged on for weeks, sources close to both clubs suggest the finishing touches are being applied, with an official unveiling expected imminently.
In the meantime, Galatasaray have pressed on with their preseason schedule. They kicked off preparations with a 5-2 victory over Turkish side Ümraniyespor before edging out Austrian club FC Flyeralarm Admira 2-1. On Wednesday, goals from Roland Sallai, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Ali Ünyay secured a 3-1 win over Cagliari.
Buruk has been experimenting with his lineup in Osimhen’s absence, notably deploying winger Barış as a makeshift centre-forward. While the tactic has delivered results in preseason, the manager is eager to welcome back his main striker and begin shaping the team around him.
Galatasaray are next in action against French outfit Strasbourg on Saturday, July 26. Given the current state of the transfer, it is unlikely that Osimhen will feature in that game.
However, his return appears closer than ever, and the Yellow-Reds faithful may not have to wait much longer to see their talisman back in action.