Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has clarified his decision to exclude striker Victor Osimhen from the squad during the Turkish Super Lig champions’ dominant 3-0 victory over Gaziantep in their league opener. The Nigerian forward, who recently completed a permanent move to the club after a loan spell last season, was left out of the matchday roster despite expectations of his involvement.
Buruk attributed the omission to concerns over Osimhen’s readiness, emphasizing the need to prioritize the player’s fitness. “He had only five or six days of training with the team. Throwing him into a competitive match so soon could have posed unnecessary risks,” the coach explained in an interview with CNN Turk. Osimhen finalized his transition to Galatasaray two weeks ago, limiting his time to integrate with the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The absence of the 25-year-old did little to hinder the Istanbul-based side’s performance, as goals from Mauro Icardi, Kerem Aktürkoglu, and new signing Tanguy Ndombele sealed a comprehensive victory. The result underscored the depth of Galatasaray’s roster, which claimed its 24th league title last season. Osimhen’s previous loan stint at the club saw him contribute sporadically amid injury setbacks, prompting cautious management of his workload this term.
While his exclusion surprised some observers, Buruk’s approach reflects a broader strategy to ensure long-term readiness for key players. The Nigeria international, known for his pace and aerial prowess, is expected to play a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s domestic and European ambitions this season. Supporters will likely monitor his integration closely, particularly with crucial Champions League qualifiers on the horizon.
The club’s decisive win without Osimhen highlights their adaptability, though his eventual return to the pitch will be anticipated as a boost to their attacking options. As Buruk noted, “Every player’s condition is assessed individually. Our focus is on building a squad that can sustain peak performance throughout the season.”
