Galatasaray’s Financial Tightrope: High Wages and On-Field Performance
Galatasaray, a Turkish Süper Lig powerhouse, is reportedly facing financial strain due to its substantial wage bill. Recent reports suggest potential delays in player payments, raising questions about the club’s financial stability and its impact on team performance. The situation came to light following a recent league loss to Konyaspor, sparking debate about player morale and squad selection.
The Weight of Star Power
Galatasaray boasts some of the highest-paid players in the Süper Lig. Victor Osimhen, the club’s top earner, commands a net salary of €15 million annually, potentially rising to €21 million with bonuses. Other high earners include Ederson (€11 million), Leroy Sané (€9 million), Milan Skriniar (€8 million), Marco Asensio (€8 million), and Mauro Icardi (€6 million). According to Capology, Galatasaray’s total gross salary expenditure for the 2025-2026 season is estimated at €97.28 million, or approximately €1,870,769 per week.
Reports indicate Osimhen hadn’t received his January and February wages as of recently. The forward reportedly felt discomfort in his right knee prior to the Konyaspor match and, considering an upcoming Champions League fixture, opted to avoid risking further injury.
Champions League Revenue vs. Wage Demands
Despite generating revenue through participation in the Champions League, Galatasaray appears to be consistently challenged by its high player payroll. Journalist Haluk Yürekli notes that the club has historically faced budgetary constraints even during periods of Champions League income. This suggests a structural issue with financial planning, and sustainability.
League-Wide Comparison: Galatasaray’s Spending
Galatasaray currently has the highest wage bill in the Turkish Süper Lig, estimated at €98.1 million according to salaryleaks.com. This surpasses Fenerbahçe, the next highest spender, with an annual wage bill of €140.25 million. SalarySport.com reports Galatasaray’s total 2025 payroll at ₺1,046,763,926 (approximately €89.1 million based on current exchange rates).
Player Salaries in Detail (2025-2026)
Here’s a snapshot of some key Galatasaray player salaries (as of February 2026):
- Victor Osimhen: €360,000 per week / €18.8 million annually
- Mauro Icardi: €215,300 per week / €11.2 million annually
- Leroy Sané: €215,300 per week / €11.2 million annually
- Wilfried Singo: €115,400 per week / €6 million annually
- İlkay Gündoğan: €107,700 per week / €5.6 million annually
The Osimhen Factor
Victor Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray runs until 2029, with a gross remaining value of €75 million. He currently earns €18.75 million annually, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Galatasaray facing a financial crisis?
A: Reports suggest Galatasaray is experiencing financial strain due to its high wage bill, but it’s not necessarily a full-blown crisis. The club continues to operate and participate in major competitions.
Q: Are all Galatasaray players affected by payment delays?
A: Reports specifically mention Victor Osimhen as having outstanding payments, but the extent to which other players are affected remains unclear.
Q: What is Galatasaray’s total wage bill for the 2025-2026 season?
A: The estimated total gross salary expenditure is €97.28 million, according to Capology.
Q: Who are the highest-paid players at Galatasaray?
A: Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, and Leroy Sané are among the highest-paid players.
Q: Does Champions League revenue alleviate Galatasaray’s financial issues?
A: While Champions League revenue provides income, it doesn’t fully offset the club’s substantial wage expenses.
Pro Tip: Clubs with high wage bills often necessitate to balance sporting ambition with financial sustainability. Careful player recruitment and strategic financial planning are crucial for long-term success.
Explore more articles on Turkish football and club finances to stay informed about the latest developments.
