Galatasaray’s Best Transfer This Season: Turkish Commentator Picks Gabriel Sara, Not Osimhen
Galatasaray’s most successful transfer this season might not be who many expect, according to respected Turkish football commentator Ali Ece.
The Turkish Super Lig champions made several key signings during the summer transfer window of 2024, including Gabriel Sara (Norwich City), Elias Jelert (FC Copenhagen), Roland Sallai (SC Freiburg), Ismail Jakobs (Monaco), and Ali Efe Çördek (Bulvarspor). They also signed African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, along with former Chelsea players Hakim Ziyech and Michy Batshuayi.
These transfers have been successful, with Galatasaray currently leading the Super Lig and being strong contenders for the Europa League. Osimhen, in particular, has been a standout signing. Since his move from Napoli in September 2024, the Nigerian striker has scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists in 12 Super Lig matches.
However, Ece believes the most successful signing this season is Gabriel Sara, the club’s record signing from Norwich City. Sara was brought in for 18 million euros, breaking the previous transfer record of 17 million euros set by Mario Jardel in the 2000-2001 season.
Speaking on the Vole YouTube channel, Ece said: “Gabriel Sara is Galatasaray’s most successful transfer this season. Osimhen came on loan and, of course, has superstar status, but the most successful transfer is Sara.”
Ece also pointed out that Sara’s move was considered risky by Turkish standards, as he was not as well-known. Despite this, Sara has made a huge impact, contributing to nine goals this season. This is only one goal less than Osimhen, despite the Nigerian striker having played in eight more matches.
