Questions have emerged in Turkey over whether Victor Osimhen’s record salary is placing pressure on Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports.
This follows reports linking the club's financial concerns to the striker’s recent absence from the team.
The Nigeria forward is the highest-paid player in the Süper Lig, earning an estimated €15 million per year before bonuses and commercial payments.
Speculation grew after Galatasaray lost 2–0 away to Konyaspor, a match Osimhen did not feature in. His absence came only days after he starred in a 5–2 European win against Juventus.
Several outlets claimed some players had experienced delays in salary payments, with suggestions that Osimhen himself had outstanding wages. Those reports quickly led to rumours that financial issues, rather than injury, explained why the striker was missing from the squad.
Sources close to the club have played down those claims, describing them as speculation that often follows periods of inconsistent results. Galatasaray’s wage bill has risen sharply in recent seasons as the club pursued high-profile signings aimed at strengthening both domestic and European ambitions.
Osimhen’s salary, the largest in Turkish football, has inevitably placed the club’s finances under greater public scrutiny.
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Victor Osimhen: Injury concern, not salary dispute
Galatasaray officials insist there is no connection between salary rumours and team selection.
According to the club’s medical assessment, Osimhen reported pain in his right knee before the Konyaspor match and was left out as a precaution ahead of a crucial European fixture. Coaching staff chose not to risk aggravating the problem, especially given his importance to the side.
The decision reflects how central the striker has become since arriving in Istanbul in a club-record €75 million transfer from Napoli. Galatasaray’s performances have frequently dipped in matches he has missed, highlighting his influence on the team’s attacking play.
Osimhen’s impact has raised expectations around the club, both on and off the pitch. His goals have helped drive Galatasaray’s European ambitions, but his status as Turkey’s top earner also means every absence attracts intense attention.
Still, Galatasaray maintain there is no salary crisis and no disagreement with their star forward. Osimhen has continued recovery work with the fitness group as preparations focus on upcoming matches.
Galatasaray face Juventus in Turin on Wednesday with a positive result set to seal the Turkish champions' place in the Round of 16.
