Turkey’s star-studded big club on the road to the title

The Turkish big club is experiencing a resurrection under coach Okan Buruk compared to last season. Galatasaray’s last defeat came in mid-October when they lost to Kayserispor 1:2.

Galatasaray had a bad season last year. Thirteenth place in the local Süper Lig was the club’s worst finish in the modern history of the Turkish league and therefore a huge disappointment.

Galatasaray turned the summer transfer window into a massive strengthening period, which resulted in the arrival of some big names.

Lucas Torreira from Arsenal, Dries Mertens from Naples and Juan Mata formerly of Manchester United have all come to reinforce the midfield. Mauro Icardi or 30-year-old Haris Seferovic came on loan to the attack.

Of the reinforcements, the most successful at the moment is Argentine striker Icardi, who has already recorded nine goals and six assists, and has played only 60% of the minutes Galatasaray have played this season.

Istanbul’s current budget deficit in the current season is just under 20 million euros which is the highest in the entire Turkish league.

The total spending exceeds 30 million euros. However, a bold policy is working well for the twenty-two-time Turkish champion.

Galatasaray are in first place with a nine-point lead over city rival Fenerbahce, but they have a game in hand. There are 14 rounds left in the season.

First place in the Turkish Süper Lig ensures the Turkish champion qualification for the Champions League. The second place finisher qualifies for the Europa League.

The oldest team in Turkey is also the most successful club on the Asia Minor peninsula. The club, nicknamed Aslanlar (Lions), has also won the Turkish Cup 18 times, and on the international stage, the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, both of which they celebrated in 2000.

Source: Livesport, Transfermarkt