Demirkol: Galatasaray Struggles Without Osimhen a Serious Problem

Turkish football analyst Mehmet Demirkol has highlighted the significant void Galatasaray faces when Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is unavailable. Speaking on the Socrates Magazine YouTube channel, Demirkol pointed out that the Turkish side become more vulnerable when Osimhen and Barış Alper Yılmaz are not both leading the attack.

Demirkol stated, “When Galatasaray doesn’t have both Osimhen and Barış Alper, it’s a problem. Serious problems arise during starts and pressures. You need to play something else.”

Osimhen has made an impactful start to the Süper Lig campaign, scoring twice in his first three appearances for Galatasaray.  However, his recent ankle ligament injury while on international duty with Nigeria has cast doubt on his availability for upcoming fixtures, including their UEFA Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt. Medical tests confirmed a moderate sprain, and treatment has begun in Istanbul.

Head coach Okan Buruk commented that Osimhen is still in pain, and his participation in future matches will depend on the outcome of his recovery.

Editorial

We see Demirkol’s comments as a sharp reminder of how vital Victor Osimhen has become to Galatasaray’s tactical structure and overall momentum. This is not just about having a prolific forward it’s about having a player who shapes how a team operates under pressure, signals attacking intent, and leads from the front. Demirkol’s assertion that the team faces “serious problems” without Osimhen suggests that Galatasaray’s identity is now closely tied to the striker’s presence on the field.

It’s concerning that the club may need to “play something else” when their key man is absent. That dependency hints at a lack of strategic depth and adaptability. For a team of Galatasaray’s stature, the ability to switch tactics, adjust formations, and maintain performance levels without their star player is essential not optional. Relying too heavily on one player, no matter how talented, can expose structural vulnerabilities and reduce flexibility in handling injuries, suspensions, or tactical shifts.

We also believe Osimhen’s injury highlights how fragile football plans can be, especially when grounded on individual brilliance. Clubs must have built-in contingency plans to navigate such absences without compromising their competitive edge. That means nurturing secondary attacking options, empowering midfield creativity, and developing a flexible tactical philosophy that allows for seamless shifts. Without this, the team risks becoming predictable and overly reliant on a single player’s output.

From the Super Eagles perspective, Osimhen’s injury is a double-edged sword—his importance at club level underlines his value to Nigeria, but it also underscores how much he carries both physically and psychologically. Ensuring he returns from injury safely will be paramount, not just for Galatasaray but for Nigeria’s ambitions in upcoming qualifiers and tournaments.

We believe Galatasaray must urgently broaden their tactical horizons and reduce their dependency on Osimhen. If they do not, they may find themselves exposed in critical matches precisely when their key striker is not available. This is a moment of truth for the club: can they evolve into a side that can compete regardless of injuries or individual absences? Or will their hopes continue to ride on one man? The answer could well determine their trajectory both domestically and in Europe.

Did You Know?

1. Victor Osimhen moved to Galatasaray in 2025 from Napoli, becoming one of the most expensive Nigerian transfers in football history.
2. This season, Osimhen’s goals included a brace in Galatasaray’s opening matches, showcasing his fast adaptation to Turkish football.
3. Galatasaray’s head coach, Okan Buruk, won the Turkish Süper Lig title as a manager with Istanbul Başakşehir in 2020.
4. The ankle injury that Osimhen sustained with the Super Eagles was officially diagnosed as a moderate ligament sprain, raising concerns about his fitness for upcoming Turkish and European fixtures.
5. Galatasaray face a critical Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt, and Osimhen’s availability is now in doubt as his recovery progresses.