Galatasaray make a significant purchase, but what's the source of the funds?
Galatasaray Istanbul Aims High in European Football
Galatasararay Istanbul, one of Turkey's most successful football clubs, has set its sights on making waves not just in Turkey, but across Europe. The club's vice-president, Metin Öztürk, has confirmed that their main goal is Europe.
The club's ambition is evident in their recent high-profile signings. Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan for over 70 million euros, while Leroy Sané, Sané, Ilkay Gündogan, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu have also been recruited. These stars generate significant interest from sponsors, who are willing to pay more than they did a few years ago.
One such sponsor is Pasifik Holding, which has sponsored Galatasaray this season with around 10 million US dollars. Rams Global is another significant supporter of the club.
Galatasaray's financial support also comes from the Turkish construction sector. The club's great ambition carries financial risks, but the hope is that the club can generate high profits from the sale of a training ground in the Florya district.
In addition to traditional revenue streams like ticket sales and merchandise sales, Galatasaray has been innovative in generating funds for high-profile player transfers. For example, the €75 million transfer of Victor Osimhen involved an initial payment of €40 million, with the remaining €35 million paid in installments by the end of 2026, including performance-based bonuses.
The club has also capitalized on fan engagement events, such as streaming Osimhen's flight to Istanbul, which brought in around €431,000 on the first day from over two million live viewers and 50,000 new YouTube subscribers. The club sold 100,000 special edition Osimhen jerseys at €200 each, potentially raising €20 million.
Exclusive merchandise like Osimhen’s “Solo Il Gala” collector’s boxes, which sold 20,000 pre-orders at roughly €210 each, brought in about €4.2 million directly to the club. These diverse revenue streams help cover large salaries and transfer fees, as Galatasaray aims to balance financial constraints under Turkish Football Federation regulations while investing heavily in star players.
The club's dream is to return to the European elite, as they were in 2000 when they won the UEFA Cup. Galatasaray and Istanbul were naturally part of the European top tier in the early 2000s. Their main goal is to reach at least the Champions League quarterfinals, preferably the final. With their new lineup of international stars, the club hopes to revive the spirit of the early 2000s and make Turkish football proud throughout Europe.
Victor Osimhen's annual salary is in the tens of millions, while Leroy Sané's reported salary is lower than Osimhen's. Despite the high costs, Galatasaray's high foreign debts make progress in Europe a financial necessity. The club warmly welcomed Sané at Istanbul Airport, with Turkish fans enthusiastically greeting their new star player.
Galatasaray Istanbul aims to compete in the Champions League quarterfinals, or even the final, as they continue their pursuit of European football dominance. The influx of international stars like Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, and others, who generate significant interest from sponsors, plays a crucial role in helping the club achieve its ambitions financially. Osimhen's annual salary alone is in the tens of millions, highlighting the club's commitment to signing top talent despite high costs and foreign debts.
