Galatasaray has been urged to act swiftly and sign Istanbul Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov on a temporary basis after Victor Osimhen sustained a groin injury in Friday's intense 3-2 victory.
A Spor analyst Levent Tüzemen urged Galatasaray's management to secure Shomurodov on loan, emphasizing that the club couldn't afford to wait if Osimhen is sidelined for several weeks.
The injury's timing heightened the urgency. Osimhen scored the opening goal in the 16th minute at Başakşehir but was forced off after sustaining the injury. He was replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 33rd minute.
Tüzemen stated Galatasaray had only hours to act because the Turkish transfer window was closing at midnight.
“I’m telling the Galatasaray management, you have two hours until 12. You need a foreign striker to play in the Super League. Sign Shomurodov on loan immediately,” Tüzemen was quoted by Habersarikirmizi as saying.
“If Osimhen is out for five weeks, you can’t manage this with just Deniz Gül,” he added.
This recommendation was unusual because Shomurodov was playing for Başakşehir when Osimhen was injured.
The Uzbekistan international scored from the penalty spot during the match.
The Turkish Super Lig transfer window for summer 2026 closed on Friday, September 4, 2026, at midnight local time (TRT), but Galatasaray did not record a signing of Shomurodov. The club does not anticipate Osimhen to be sidelined long-term and is awaiting MRI test results before making any decisions.
☞ Osimhen: Galatasaray facing a tight schedule
Osimhen's injury comes at a challenging time for Galatasaray, who have started the season with four straight wins.
The Nigerian star was a key contributor, scoring twice against Çorum FK, netting two goals plus an assist against Erzurumspor, and adding both a goal and an assist in matches against Göztepe and Başakşehir before his departure.
His four league appearances have resulted in six goals and two assists, averaging a goal per game.
Manager Okan Buruk has other attacking options. New signing Rafael Leão is versatile, capable of playing through the center or across the front line. Additionally, Deniz Gül and young academy players Armando Güner and Ada Yüzgeç offer alternative options.
Galatasaray's demanding schedule will intensify if Osimhen's absence extends. They are set to face Sporting CP in the Champions League on Wednesday, September 9, then host Kocaelispor in the Süper Lig on September 13, followed by an away game against Trabzonspor six days later.
Post a Comment