Galatasaray coach assures fans on transfers: 'Rest assured'
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Galatasaray Technical Director Okan Buruk addressed fan concerns about transfer activity, assuring them the club is working to sign the best players.
- Buruk stated the team is actively pursuing transfers, particularly a key attacking midfielder, and needs a strong squad for both domestic and Champions League competitions.
- He expressed a desire to continue his career at Galatasaray, aiming for a sixth championship and European success, emphasizing the need to focus on current season goals.
Galatasaray Technical Director Okan Buruk has directly addressed fan impatience regarding the club's transfer dealings, assuring supporters that the team is actively working to secure top-tier signings.
Our fans should rest assured. They shouldn't think that Galatasaray won't sign players or spend money. Our president is working to bring in the best. They should be at ease about that.
"Our fans should rest assured," Buruk stated in an exclusive interview with beIN Sports Haber. "They shouldn't think that Galatasaray won't sign players or spend money. Our president is working to bring in the best. They should be at ease about that." He acknowledged the fans' eagerness, noting they are frequently asked about new arrivals when seen in public.
The coach emphasized the club's commitment to strengthening the squad, particularly for the crucial "number 10" attacking midfield position. "We are definitely looking to bring in a good player for that spot. We are not thinking about anything else!" he declared. Buruk highlighted the necessity of having two strong starting elevens to compete effectively in both the Champions League and the Turkish Super Lig, stressing that "this is a must!"
We are definitely looking to bring in a good player for that spot. We are not thinking about anything else!
Looking beyond immediate transfers, Buruk expressed his long-term aspirations with Galatasaray. "It's utopian to be Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger in Turkey," he remarked, but added, "Of course, I would always want to continue at Galatasaray." He envisions a future where he aims for a sixth consecutive championship and success in Europe, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. "If we win the fifth championship, instead of thinking 'I should go somewhere,' I will dream of a sixth championship at Galatasaray and success in Europe," he said.
We need to have two strong starting elevens to take us well in the Champions League and the Super League, this is a must!
Buruk also outlined the club's transfer priorities, which include a playmaker, a left winger, and a striker, noting that a midfielder has already been signed. Decisions on defensive reinforcements will depend on future player acquisitions. He reiterated his message to the fans: "Our fans should rest assured. We understand and accept their reactions. They should believe that we will make the best transfers during this period, and nothing else. There is good-faith work being done."
If we win the fifth championship, instead of thinking 'I should go somewhere,' I will dream of a sixth championship at Galatasaray and success in Europe.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.