Osimhen vs Greenwood vs Trossard: Biggest threats to Galatasaray’s Süper Lig title defence

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was the driving force behind Galatasaray’s record-extending 26th Turkish Süper Lig title last season, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, the Nigerian striker is expected to face a much tougher challenge in the 2026/27 campaign after Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş strengthened their squads with major signings.

Osimhen completed a permanent €75 million move from Napoli after a successful loan spell, becoming the most expensive signing in Galatasaray’s and Turkish football’s history. The 27-year-old quickly justified the investment by leading Okan Buruk’s side to a fourth straight league title and maintaining the club’s dominance over their bitter domestic rivals.

The former Napoli star produced another impressive league campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 22 Süper Lig matches while playing 1,710 minutes. He finished the season with a strong FotMob rating of 7.76, maintaining consistent performances throughout the title-winning run.

Osimhen also delivered when the pressure was highest. On May 9, he scored twice in Galatasaray’s dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Antalyaspor. After calmly converting a penalty in the 66th minute, he sealed the win with an 88th-minute goal as Galatasaray secured the league title with one match still to play.

Earlier in the season, he rescued another crucial victory with a stunning stoppage-time overhead kick against Samsunspor in a thrilling 3-2 win. Those three points proved important as Galatasaray stayed ahead of the chasing pack.

The Nigerian also impressed in the biggest matches of the season, finding the net against Fatih Karagümrük, Beşiktaş and title rivals Fenerbahçe. His goal in the convincing 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe in late April helped Galatasaray move closer to another championship.

Beyond Turkey, Osimhen also shone in the UEFA Champions League, scoring seven goals in 10 appearances. His European performances saw him become Galatasaray’s highest-scoring foreign player in European competitions, surpassing former Czech striker Milan Baroš.

Alongside experienced striker Mauro Icardi and new signing Leroy Sané, Osimhen formed the most dangerous attacking unit in the division.

Following his excellent displays, Osimhen was expected to leave Galatasaray this summer and head to the Premier League or Spanish La Liga. However, despite interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, it appears that the Nigeria international will stay in Turkey for at least one more season.

Interestingly, any plans that Osimhen may have about helping Galatasaray retain the league crown may have gotten a lot more difficult following the arrival of two elite attackers with Premier League experience.

Osimhen: Greenwood and Trossard give Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş fresh hope

Although Galatasaray remain favourites to defend their crown, the arrival of Mason Greenwood at Fenerbahçe and Leandro Trossard at Beşiktaş has raised expectations that this season’s title race will be much closer.

Fenerbahçe completed the signing of Greenwood from Marseille in a deal worth around €39 million. The 24-year-old forward arrives after an excellent campaign in France, where he scored 16 Ligue 1 goals and finished among the league’s leading scorers. Across all competitions, he registered 23 goals, yet again boosting his status as a dangerous winger.

Greenwood’s ability to score with both feet, attack from either wing and finish chances from difficult positions makes him a serious rival to Osimhen in the race for the league’s Golden Boot. His pace and direct style should also improve Fenerbahçe’s attack after they narrowly missed out on the title last season.

Beşiktaş have also made a major statement by signing Belgian international Leandro Trossard from Arsenal in a deal worth about €20 million, including add-ons. The 31-year-old arrives with Premier League-winning experience after playing an important role under Mikel Arteta.

Unlike Greenwood, Trossard’s biggest strength is creating chances. Comfortable as a winger, attacking midfielder or false nine, he is known for finding space in crowded areas and producing decisive moments in big matches. Beşiktaş struggled to break down organised defences last season, especially in derby games, and the club hopes Trossard can provide the creativity that was missing.

These signings mean Galatasaray are unlikely to enjoy the same comfortable advantage they had during parts of last season. Previously, Osimhen’s side benefited whenever their rivals dropped points against smaller clubs. This time, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş have added proven match-winners capable of turning draws into victories.

That places even greater responsibility on Osimhen, Icardi (if he stays), Sané and the rest of Galatasaray’s attack to maintain their high standards. With Greenwood leading Fenerbahçe’s frontline and Trossard bringing fresh quality to Beşiktaş, the battle for the 2026/27 Süper Lig title promises to be the most competitive in recent years.