FlashFocus: Galatasaray Emerges as the Beacon of Hope for Turkish Football

The current Turkish champions, Galatasaray, are delivering a stellar performance this season. Amidst a league grappling with various scandals, Galatasaray continually showcases the finest football week after week. With an unbeaten record and an unwavering focus on defending their title, what is driving their success right now?

Galatasaray has made significant enhancements this season, with the addition of stars like Alvaro Morata, Gabriel Sara, and notably Victor Osimhen, taking Okan Buruk’s squad to impressive new heights.

Young talents Baris Alper Yilmaz (10 goals) and Yunus Akgun (six goals, seven assists) have also helped reshape the perception of a so-called ‘Pensioner’s League’, contributing to Galatasaray’s current lead of six points over fierce rivals Fenerbahce.

Under the guidance of their current coach, they have clinched the last two championships. After a dismal 2021/22 season that saw them finish a record low of 13th, the change in fortunes has been remarkable.

Not only did they break the Super Lig record by winning 14 consecutive games during the 2022/23 season, but they also successfully lured back players to Turkey who will enhance the squad for the long term.

The shining hope of Turkish football

By blending youthful potential with high-profile signings, Galatasaray seems to have transitioned into modern footballing business practices, potentially paving the way for more success on the European stage.

It has been 25 years since they last lifted a European trophy—when Hakan Sukur and Claudio Taffarel became legends at their Copenhagen triumph. Back then, with a side packed with both national and international stars, including Gheorghe Hagi, they won the UEFA Cup against Arsenal—a landmark achievement for Turkish football.

However, since that illustrious moment, they have been longing for such success. The closest they came was in the 2012/13 season when they nearly pulled off a stunning upset against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, yet Turkish clubs have generally struggled in Europe since then.

This season, Galatasaray’s journey ended in the playoffs following a 2-2 result in the second leg against AZ Alkmaar. Nonetheless, they recorded commendable group stage results, including a victory over Tottenham and several narrow draws against top European sides, signalling their ongoing progress.

Scandals and controversies

Simultaneously, Galatasaray represents a beacon of hope in a league currently marred by turbulence.

The Super Lig has often been tainted by scandals, and recently, Galatasaray found themselves embroiled in controversy. Following a penalty awarded to them in a match against Adana Demirspor, converted by Morata, disgruntled players from the visitors walked off the pitch under the direction of their management.

The president of Adana accused officials of “referee corruption,” which resulted in a 3-0 forfeit victory being awarded to Galatasaray.

Coach Buruk expressed his disappointment regarding these events, stating he “didn’t believe the actions taken were wise” and expressing sorrow over the incident. He remarked that there are “always efforts to tarnish the image of Turkish football” but he “respects” the decision, even if he is “saddened” by it.

According to LIGABlatt, he also acknowledged that it was “not really a penalty.” Considering the history of the league, this could be seen as one of the less serious incidents.

Reflecting on 2023, when the league was temporarily suspended due to an attack on a referee by the Ankaragucu president, or the pitch invasion by Ecmel Faik Sarialioglu, this incident appears relatively minor.

Nonetheless, such occurrences bring about concerns that Turkish football, which is striving to improve its image with role models like Galatasaray, could once again be cast in a negative light as a result.

Success is attracting top talent

To truly understand what underpins Galatasaray’s formidable strength, one must examine the recent transfer window.

Despite securing consecutive titles, they aimed to make an even greater impact. With nearly €61 million invested in new talent, they have set the stage for a potential ‘three-peat.’

Simultaneously, they are heavily invested in the future. A multitude of young players, loaned out within the top tiers of Turkish football, are being cultivated into valuable assets.

Older players not aligning with the team’s vision, like Patrick van Aanholt and Serge Aurier, were not offered new contracts, while star signings such as Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, and Lucas Torreira are advancing the club toward future successes.

They are also prioritising sustainability. With talents such as Sara, Elias Jelert, Carlos Cuesta, Roland Sallai, Ahmed Kutucu, and Eren Elmali—all under the age of 27—Galatasaray is carving a path distinctly different from that of rivals like Fenerbahce.

José Mourinho’s team currently boasts the oldest average age in the league at 28.8 years, while Galatasaray is gradually shifting away from this norm towards a younger cohort.

This strategy promises to yield dividends, both competitively and financially. A prime example is Yilmaz, who was brought in for €2 million in 2021 and is now likely valued at €30-35 million.

Aiming for a golden future

Statistically, Galatasaray stands far ahead of their competitors in the league. They dominate social media and are recognised as the largest club in the country and one of the most identifiable football brands globally.

With their current strategic, financial, and athletic initiatives, they could see significant improvements in their European endeavours in the years to come.

If they manage to attract more elite players to the Turkish capital while continuing their solid work in youth development, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to envision a return to the glories of 2000.

Next year, the Europa League will return to Istanbul, although hosted at Besiktas’ stadium, and it’s an attainable goal for Buruk’s side.

Who knows how the confidence generated in the Super Lig could be channelled into future European competitions—Galatasaray has the potential to reclaim their status as a formidable force. Consistent effort is the key.

Mark your calendars for the derby against Fenerbahce on February 24th, as it could be a pivotal moment in the championship race.