The signing of Victor Osimhen to an impressive squad has made Galatasaray a team brimming with depth and confidence. The Turkish champions were always going to be difficult to beat, but now they are one of the main teams who could win the UEFA Europa League this season.
Galatasaray (1.66) already had a strong squad prior to the signing of Victor Osimhen, with household names such as Dries Mertens, Mauro Icardi, Hakim Ziyech, Lucas Torreira, Davinson Sánchez and Fernando Muslera. In addition, they had signed Michy Batshuayi from cross-town rivals Fenerbahçe, who pushed them close in the title race last season.
However, the addition of Osimhen, one of the most talented players ever to grace the Turkish Süper Lig – means they are now a team that everyone in the UEFA Europa League should fear. Galatasaray have the odds of 16.63 to win the Europa League.
Why Osimhen Brings More Than Goals
Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, AS Roma and Ajax were always going to be among the teams to watch in the Europa League this season. However, Galatasaray demonstrated in their 3-1 wins over Fenerbahçe domestically and then PAOK in the Europa League why they should be counted among the favourites.
Osimhen – a clinical striker – did not score in either of those games, but picked up assists in both.
Herein lies the strength of the types of players Galatasaray have in their attacking department: they are workhorses who pour energy into making the team better whether or not they are each individually on song.
Osimhen’s determination to acquire the ball – whether through pressing relentlessly or chasing after long balls – makes him a rare asset.
His passing is not world-renowned, but at Galatasaray, he has found a way to pick out the right players whenever needed. When he is in an environment where he truly feels appreciated, Osimhen is a sight to behold – as was demonstrated when he led Napoli to the Scudetto in 2022/23.
At Galatasaray, Osimhen can feel the love of a city again. He has the support of another former Napoli star, Mertens, who has an eye for a final pass and is comfortable anywhere across the front four.
How Squad Depth Can Serve Galatasaray
The competition for places at Galatasaray may not serve everyone. However, it will certainly ensure that players like Osimhen and Mertens who are currently driving the team’s success know that they cannot afford to let up. This, in turn, drives the level of the team up.
Batshuayi has two goals and two assists in the Süper Lig, while Icardi has two goals and an assist. Certainly, Osimhen does not have room to rest on his laurels.
Galatasaray are strong at the other end of the pitch, too, thanks to established players such as Muslera and Sánchez, who have played at the highest level.
Next year, it will be 25 years since Galatasaray beat Arsenal in the final of the 1999/2000 UEFA Cup (the predecessor of the Europa League) to become the first Turkish side in history to win a European club trophy – which they followed up with a European Super Cup win over Real Madrid.
Based on their deep squad and strength at both ends of the pitch, it will not be surprising if they can get close to repeating the feat.
