Victor Osimhen has been at the centre of speculation in Turkey after reports suggested he and several team-mates at Galatasaray were owed unpaid salaries.
Turkish media outlets claimed the Nigeria striker had not been paid for up to three months, fuelling debate among supporters and pundits.
The rumours intensified after Osimhen’s muted celebrations in recent matches, including his decisive goal against Juventus in the Champions League knockout stage.
Some fans linked his calm reaction to the alleged wage issues. However, Osimhen later said he chose not to celebrate out of respect for Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, whom he previously worked with at Napoli.
Osimhen. Photo Credit: Imago
Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has now firmly rejected the claims.
Speaking to Turkish media, Özbek said suggestions that players had gone unpaid were unfounded.
“If players don’t receive their salaries for two or three months, they won’t play,” he said.
“These kinds of reports are an insult to the professionalism of our players. There are bonus and incentive clauses, and we pay them all on time. Galatasaray has not defaulted on a single lira.”
Despite the off-field speculation, Galatasaray remain in contention on multiple fronts.
Under head coach Okan Buruk, they lead the Turkish Süper Lig by four points ahead of rivals Fenerbahçe.
Osimhen celebrating his goal against Juventus. Photo Credit: AFP
In Europe, the Istanbul club have reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 12 years and are set to face English champions Liverpool in the next round.
Domestically, they are also preparing for a Turkish Cup tie against Alanyaspor.
Osimhen has played a key role in the campaign, scoring seven goals in the Champions League and 10 in the league.
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However, he is expected to miss the cup fixture as the club manages his fitness ahead of a crucial derby against Beşiktaş at the weekend.
