Osimhen bench call against Monza ‘purely tactical’ as Galatasaray step up preseason plans

Victor Osimhen’s surprise omission from Galatasaray’s starting line-up in their 2-0 preseason defeat by Monza was a deliberate tactical choice and not linked to injury or transfer uncertainty, according to reports in Turkey.

The Nigeria striker, one of the Turkish champions’ key players, began Friday’s friendly on the bench in what was only Galatasaray’s second warm-up game ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. His absence from the initial XI prompted immediate questions over his physical condition and renewed speculation about his long-term future in Istanbul.

Galatasaray, who are targeting a fifth successive Super Lig crown after winning the last four titles, have already turned their focus to sharpening the squad for both domestic and European challenges in the coming season.

They opened their preparations with a commanding 5-1 victory over Umraniyespor, but were brought back down to earth by Serie A side Monza. Andrea Carboni struck in the first half and Patrick Cutrone added a second after the interval to secure the win for the Italians.

Osimhen was introduced after the break with Galatasaray already behind, but the 27-year-old was unable to alter the course of the match as Okan Buruk’s side slipped to their first defeat of preseason.

Tactical rotation, not injury

Local reports in Turkey insist the decision to leave Osimhen out of the starting line-up was made on “purely technical” grounds. The move was said to be part of a wider plan by the coaching staff to rotate heavily, test different systems and give other players extended opportunities before competitive fixtures begin.

Crucially, those reports stress that the call had nothing to do with any injury concerns or doubts over Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray.

The technical team are understood to be using the early friendlies to assess options across the squad rather than leaning on established stars, with Osimhen among those being carefully managed in terms of minutes.

Transfer interest remains high

Osimhen’s situation has been a dominant storyline of the summer, with the forward continuing to attract attention from some of Europe’s leading clubs as they look to strengthen in attack.

Atletico Madrid are reported to have seen an offer rejected, while Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all been linked with a move for the Super Eagles forward at various points in the transfer window.

Despite that level of interest, Osimhen has consistently underlined his desire to remain with Galatasaray. The Istanbul club, for their part, have taken a firm stance, making clear they do not intend to sell what is described as their most valuable asset.

Focus turns to Venezia friendly

With the rationale for his bench role against Monza clarified, attention inside the club is now turning back to preparation for the new season and the remaining preseason fixtures.

Galatasaray’s next test comes on Monday against newly promoted Serie A side Venezia. The Italian club have just completed a record signing of another Nigerian striker, Akor Adams, from Sevilla, adding an extra layer of interest to the fixture from a Nigerian perspective.

Osimhen is expected to push for more minutes in that match as Galatasaray continue to build fitness, refine tactics and rotate their options ahead of the defence of their Super Lig title and another tilt at European competition.