Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has candidly admitted the enormous financial responsibility that comes with having Victor Osimhen at the club, noting that the Nigerian striker’s salary alone could be enough to assemble an entire team.

Buruk made the remarks while assessing Galatasaray’s growing wage bill following their 3–1 victory over Istanbulspor in the Turkish Cup. The coach reflected on the club’s recent big-money recruitment drive, headlined by Osimhen’s permanent arrival from Napoli.

After a sensational loan spell, the Turkish champions moved decisively last summer to secure Osimhen on a long-term deal, fending off interest from Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs. Galatasaray activated the striker’s €75 million release clause, ending his five-year stay in Naples.

The former African Footballer of the Year is reportedly earning a guaranteed €15 million annually, in addition to a €1 million loyalty bonus and €5 million per season in image rights. Osimhen signed a four-year contract, with the total cost of the transfer estimated at around €159 million over the duration of the deal.

Speaking via the club’s official media platforms, Buruk stressed the importance of balancing ambition with financial discipline.

“Galatasaray’s transfer fees and salaries have been going up since last year,” Buruk said. “With Osimhen’s transfer fee and salary, you could probably put together a full team. We need to take these things into account.”

He added that while the arrivals of players such as Singo, Uğurcan, Sané, and İlkay have significantly strengthened the squad, budget control remains crucial.

“With every team, there is a budget. Once you set it at the start of the season, you need to stick to it,” he explained.

Looking ahead to Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig encounter against Rizespor, Buruk revealed that Osimhen was rested during Wednesday’s cup tie as part of a careful workload management plan for the club’s marquee signing.