Galatasaray may not realise their dream of winning the Turkish Super Lig
if the club’s wingers Barış Yılmaz and Roland Sallai fail to provide adequate support for Victor Osimhen, former Besiktas and Antalyaspor manager, Sergen Yalçın has said.
Osimhen continued his impressive debut season with two goals in Galatasaray‘s 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa over the weekend, taking his tally to 22 goals and five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
However, the dropped points allowed title rivals Fenerbahce to cut the gap to four points with just over ten matches remaining.
Despite Yılmaz netting 10 goals in 24 league games, the Turkish winger has registered only one assist, while summer signing Sallai has managed just one goal without a single assist in 19 appearances.
The lack of creativity from the wide players has left Osimhen carrying much of the attacking burden — a point Yalçın was quick to highlight.
Speaking after the game, Yalçın did not hold back in his criticism of the underperforming wingers.
“The right-wing, the left wing — where are they?” he questioned, reports Sporx.
“It was said that these are very talented players, but where are they? No, no! You asked what Galatasaray should do at half-time, and I said they need a proper winger.”
The 52-year-old called on the club to reinforce their flanks in the summer transfer window, insisting that better service from wide areas would unlock Osimhen’s full potential.
Despite the setback, Osimhen urged his Galatasaray teammates to remain focused as they chase a first league title since 2023.
The Nigerian striker admitted the result was frustrating but praised the team’s fighting spirit.
“I would say disappointment. That’s the best way to put it,” Osimhen told Galatasaray’s official website.
“We fought against an effective opponent. I’m proud of my teammates for their efforts. Football is like that sometimes.”
