Football in Turkey: Galatasaray buys big – but where does the money come from?

Leroy Sané was only the final proof. Like a king, the Turkish fans received him at the airport in Istanbul, the Heilsbringer enthusiastically stretched out his arms. A year earlier, attacker Victor Osimhen had been received so frenetically. So the Osimhen, which had previously been associated with almost every top club, but ultimately switched to Galatasaray Istanbul on a loan.

And now stays there. For more than 70 million euros. In addition, his annual content in the double -digit million range and thus even over the rumored salary for Sané, who went over the square with a huge flag and proudly said: “I am very happy to be here.” At the latest after the spectacular Osimhen transfer, the question now arises: Where does GALA get all the money from?

Support from the construction sector

Above all, the club receives financial support from the mighty Turkish construction sector – for example from Pasifik Holding, who sponsors the club this season with around $ 10 million. The Rams Global company is also one of the largest supporters. Last season, the club, as the winner of the Turkish Süper Lig, also received the equivalent of around $ 17 million in radio revenues.

A lot of money, no question. But not enough for investments in players such as Sané, Osimhen or the additionally traded Ilkay Gündogan and Hakan Calhanoglu. The association hopes for high profits from the sale of a training area in the Florya district.

Allegedly in the middle three -digit million range, as the “Sport Bild” had recently reported. Income that has not yet been booked with which Galatasaray should already plan.

All of this is driven by the dream of finally belonging to the elite of Europe again. Just like in 2000, when Gala won the UEFA Cup. With Osimhen, Sané and Co., it should be the Champions League quarter-finals this time. At least. “This year our fans expect success in Europe,” said coach Okan Buruk, himself part of the winning team from 2000. “We dream of the Champions League. Our greatest responsibility is to make our followers proud-not only in Turkey, but throughout Europe.”

The political and cultural symbolism that a local club wants to mix up the European elite is clearly noticeable in Turkey with its young dynamic population. The new ranks of international stars support the hope of reviving the spirit of the early 2000s-a time in which Galatasaray and Istanbul were of course of the European top.

Vice President Metin Öztürk confirms this: “Galatasaray’s main goal is Europe. We want to reach at least the quarter -finals, preferably even the final. This club is always hungry for success.”

But the enormous ambition also carries financial risks. The high abroad of the association make progress in Europe not only a sporting goal, but also a financial necessity. It sounds paradoxical, but expensive stars like Sané and Co. can also help. They generate attention and attract sponsors who should pay significantly more than a few years ago.