Galatasaray urged to sign Shomurodov after Osimhen injury scare

Galatasaray have been presented with a potential solution to their sudden striker problem after Victor Osimhen was forced off injured during Friday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir.

The Nigerian forward opened the scoring for the Turkish champions before leaving the pitch in the 33rd minute after suffering what appeared to be a groin or muscle problem. His early withdrawal immediately raised questions about Galatasaray’s attacking options ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting with Sporting CP next week.

One of the most prominent voices calling for immediate action is A Spor commentator Levent Tüzemen, who has urged Galatasaray’s management to consider a loan move for Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.

Tüzemen calls for an immediate Shomurodov move

Speaking after the match, Tüzemen argued that Galatasaray should move quickly if Osimhen is expected to spend a significant period on the sidelines.

He specifically suggested bringing Shomurodov to Galatasaray on loan, pointing to the limited depth available in the centre-forward position.

Tüzemen said Galatasaray had only a short window to act and warned that relying solely on Deniz Gül could become problematic if Osimhen were unavailable for several weeks.

However, it is important to distinguish the commentator’s warning from confirmed medical information: there is currently no confirmed club diagnosis establishing that Osimhen will miss five weeks.

What happened to Osimhen?

Osimhen started the match against Başakşehir and made an immediate impact.

The 27-year-old striker put Galatasaray ahead in the 16th minute, scoring his side’s opening goal. Galatasaray’s official match report confirms that Osimhen started the game and that Galatasaray eventually won 3-2.

The injury concern developed later in the first half.

According to reports from the match, Osimhen first appeared to experience discomfort after a challenge before subsequently holding his groin following a run behind the Başakşehir defence. He was treated on the touchline and was eventually replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 33rd minute.

The timing was particularly unfortunate because Osimhen had already scored before leaving the game.

Galatasaray survive five-goal thriller

Despite losing their main striker early, Galatasaray managed to escape with all three points.

Başakşehir equalised through Shomurodov from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Lucas Torreira restored Galatasaray’s advantage five minutes later before Davinson Sánchez’s own goal brought the hosts level again.

With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Gabriel Sara delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time, scoring to give Galatasaray a 3-2 victory.

The result moved Galatasaray to 10 points after four league matches and extended their winning run to three games.

Ironically, the player being suggested as a potential solution was one of the opposition’s key contributors. Shomurodov scored Başakşehir’s equaliser from the penalty spot and was involved in a match that ultimately triggered the discussion about his possible move to Galatasaray.

Why Shomurodov has emerged as the suggested solution

Shomurodov’s name is particularly relevant because he is already playing in the Turkish Super Lig and therefore understands the competition and its demands.

The Uzbekistan international started for Başakşehir against Galatasaray and scored during the contest.

That does not, however, mean a transfer is imminent.

Tüzemen’s comments represent a recommendation rather than confirmation that Galatasaray have opened negotiations with Başakşehir or that a loan agreement is being pursued.

For now, the immediate issue for Galatasaray is determining the seriousness of Osimhen’s injury.

The timing could hardly be more difficult

Galatasaray do not have much time to assess their options.

Their next Champions League fixture is away against Sporting CP on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. UEFA’s official fixture list confirms the match as part of the opening round of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.

That European fixture adds another layer to the situation.

Galatasaray are competing on multiple fronts, meaning any extended absence for Osimhen would not simply affect their domestic campaign. It could also influence their ability to compete against some of Europe’s strongest clubs during the Champions League league phase.

The club’s Champions League schedule includes Sporting CP, Barcelona, Lille, Stuttgart, Aston Villa, AEK Athens, Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain.

Deniz Gül now faces increased pressure

Osimhen’s absence, if it becomes lengthy, would increase the importance of Deniz Gül and the other attacking options available to head coach Okan Buruk.

That is the central point behind Tüzemen’s argument.

Galatasaray can still use alternative attacking combinations, including Barış Alper Yılmaz, but replacing Osimhen’s presence as a recognised central striker would be a different challenge.

Osimhen’s importance was demonstrated again against Başakşehir: he scored before being forced off, while Galatasaray had to reorganise their attack for the remainder of the match.

What happens next?

The most important development will be the medical assessment of Osimhen.

Until Galatasaray provide a clearer update, claims that the striker will definitely miss five weeks should be treated as speculation rather than fact.

If the injury proves minor, the transfer discussion could quickly lose momentum. But if Osimhen is ruled out for a substantial period, Galatasaray may have to consider whether their current attacking depth is sufficient for a season involving both domestic competition and the Champions League.

That is why Shomurodov’s name has suddenly entered the conversation.

For the moment, there is no confirmed agreement between Galatasaray and Shomurodov. What is confirmed is that Osimhen was forced off against Başakşehir, Shomurodov scored for the hosts, and a prominent Turkish football commentator has publicly called on Galatasaray to pursue the Uzbekistan striker.

The next medical update on Osimhen could determine whether that suggestion becomes a serious transfer discussion or remains simply a post-match talking point.