Galatasaray have categorically denied claims that they owe Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen any unpaid wages, rejecting reports that the Turkish Super League champions have yet to pay him for January and February.
Abdullah Kavukcu, the club’s vice chairman, emphasized that Osimhen’s payments are up to date and that the club operates a strict and structured wage system, ensuring players are paid according to schedule.
The statements aim to dispel uncertainties surrounding Osimhen’s future at the Istanbul-based club, amid speculation fueled by earlier reports of delayed salaries.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli in the summer of 2025 for a €75 million transfer fee, signing a contract reportedly worth around €21 million gross per season.
His package includes a €15 million net annual salary, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million in image rights payments, making him the highest-paid player in the Turkish Super League.
Despite claims to the contrary, Kavukcu insisted the club has consistently met all contractual obligations, including performance-related bonuses, which are deposited immediately into players’ accounts without delay.
Kavukcu explained that the club’s payment structure is ahead of the European schedule. While many European clubs pay salaries three months in arrears, Galatasaray pays January wages in February and February wages in March.
This approach, he noted, demonstrates the club’s financial discipline and stability, reinforced by recent UEFA clearance confirming that the club meets all fiscal and regulatory requirements.
“We never accumulate match bonuses; we deposit them into players’ accounts immediately,” Kavukcu said, stressing that Osimhen’s contract has been fully honored.
The denial comes after reports suggested that Osimhen had approached FIFA over unpaid wages totaling around N2.8 billion, sparking concern among fans and the media. Galatasaray’s leadership, however, maintains that these reports misrepresent the actual situation.
The club’s management has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable and transparent financial environment for its players, particularly high-profile stars like Osimhen.
Adding to the clarification, Galatasaray sources emphasized that the club has no outstanding obligations toward Osimhen and that the striker’s high-profile transfer and lucrative contract reflect both his value on the pitch and the club’s ambition in domestic and European competitions.
The club believes that stability in financial operations directly contributes to better on-field performance, allowing players like Osimhen to focus solely on delivering results.
Osimhen, who has quickly become a key figure for Galatasaray since his arrival, continues to perform at a high level, drawing attention from clubs across Europe.
With the wage dispute clarified, the focus now returns to his contributions in upcoming Turkish Super League fixtures and European tournaments, where the club expects him to lead the attack and maintain his impressive goal-scoring form against team rivals.
The club also stressed that transparency and adherence to contractual obligations are central to its operations, and any future rumors regarding player payments will be promptly addressed to prevent misinformation.
Fans have largely welcomed the clarification, and attention is shifting back to Galatasaray’s ambitions both domestically and in continental competitions, where Osimhen is expected to play a pivotal role.
Beyond the financial clarification, Galatasaray continues to focus on strengthening team cohesion and maintaining momentum in the league.
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Coaches and management have highlighted that ensuring a stable environment for players like Victor Osimhen is critical to sustaining high performance, particularly as the club navigates a demanding schedule of domestic and European fixtures.
Analysts note that by resolving any wage-related controversies quickly and expeditiously, Galatasaray not only protects its reputation but also reinforces its commitment to attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive landscape of European football.
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