Victor Osimhen tax warning: what happened and what remains unproven

A tax warning reportedly sent to Victor Osimhen in Turkey was resolved after Galatasaray paid the outstanding amount, but the episode has prompted conflicting claims about the club’s finances and the Nigerian striker’s relationship with its board.

Milliyet reported on 25 July 2026 that a bank had issued Osimhen with an ihtarname, or formal warning notice, over income tax. Hurriyet said Galatasaray had failed to pay on time despite being responsible under Osimhen’s contract, and warned that his account could be blocked. “If you don’t pay, your account will be blocked,” the translated notice reportedly said.

Hurriyet and Fanatik said Osimhen contacted club executives, after which Galatasaray paid the tax. Fanatik described the delay as “solely due to a technical and administrative issue” and said there was “no dispute between the Nigerian star and the club”.

No outlet named the bank, disclosed the amount owed or quoted a named Galatasaray official. The club has not issued a statement specifically about the warning.

Why Osimhen’s tax is Galatasaray’s responsibility

Galatasaray’s filing with KAP, Turkey’s public disclosure platform, dated 31 July 2025, says Osimhen signed a four-year contract from the 2025-26 season worth a guaranteed net €15m per year. The agreement also includes a net €1m loyalty bonus and €5m per season in image rights. The filing confirmed a €75m net transfer fee paid to Napoli.

Because Osimhen’s salary is agreed net, Galatasaray must ensure he receives that amount after tax and absorb the difference. KPMG Turkey says most foreign players in Turkey have similar contracts.

Under Turkish tax rules, clubs withhold 20% from Super Lig players’ payments. Players whose football income exceeds ₺5.3m in 2026 must also file a personal return by the end of March 2027, with income above that threshold taxed at 40%. Tax already withheld is deducted from the final bill.

Although the contract places the financial burden on Galatasaray, the player remains responsible for filing the annual return. KPMG warns that failing to do so can lead to extra tax and penalties.

A previous rule created an additional risk if a club withheld tax but did not pass it to the authorities. Turkey’s Constitutional Court unanimously struck down that condition on 12 February 2026 in case E.2025/219, decision K.2026/43. The ruling was published in the Official Gazette on 3 June and said athletes should not bear a loss caused by a club’s failure to pay.

What is known and what is not

Reports from Milliyet, Hurriyet, Fanatik and Takvim said Galatasaray paid the tax and closed the matter, but none cited a named source. Claims by journalist Emre Kaplan, reported by Mynet and Haberts on 12 August, that Osimhen reacted angrily and that other players had similar problems have not been officially confirmed.

Galatasaray denied reports that players had been given cheques which bounced. A separate August 2025 report about a possible €15m tax bill concerned VAT on the Osimhen transfer fee, not his income tax, and cited no ministry statement or court ruling.

Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player. He scored in the 4-2 Champions League win at Lille on 21 October and has 17 Champions League goals, the most by a Nigerian. There is no reported sanction, ban or threat to his availability for club or country.