As Galatasaray play their second Super Lig match of the season against Karagumruk, the question on everyone’s lips is: will Victor Osimhen start?
Following a historic spell on loan with the Turkish champions last season, the Nigeria international signed on permanently in a €75 million transfer from Napoli. Aside from now holding the outright record for cumulative transfer fees paid for an African footballer, the striker is now the highest paid player in Turkey, earning N25.4 million every night in his sleep.
With great investment comes great expectation, and fans of the club, as well as Nigeria supporters everywhere are keen to see Osimhen justify Galatasaray’s significant spending.
Is Victor Osimhen ready to face Karagumruk?
In Galatasaray’s season opener against Gaziantep, Osimhen was conspicuously absent. Having only recently concluded his return to Istanbul and short on match fitness, it was understandable that he would not be rushed into the fray and risk injury. In any case, even without their talisman, Cim Bom won 3-0.
However, with another week’s worth of preparation under his belt, the 26-year-old is now closer to match readiness. Will Gala boss Okan Buruk feel comfortable enough to throw him into the fray from the start?
According to reports coming out of Turkey, however, that is unlikely to happen. Per Turkish outlet Mynet, against the newly-promoted side, the manager will keep faith with the same starting lineup from the win over Gaziantep.
Osimhen, however, is pushing for minutes, and the plan is to hand him a brief cameo late in the game, other things being equal.
