Galatasaray's 2025/26 squad is announced

Galatasaray has revealed its official 2025/26 roster; 31 names span from goalkeepers to forwards. Manager Okan Buruk announced that Uğur Çakır and Gökhan Guvenc will start in goal for the season opener. In defense, Mert Baltacı (2 goals) and İlker Jakobs (1 goal) stand out, while the attack will be led by Victor Osimhen (22 goals) and Bülent Yılmaz (10 goals).

Who's between the sticks?

Goalkeeper stats show Uğur Çakır played 38 matches with 0 goals conceded and 6 yellow cards; Gökhan Guvenc featured in 11 matches, also with 0 goals conceded and 2 yellows. Alper Yılmaz and Emre Büyük have yet to appear. The two keepers may rotate as Buruk sees fit.

How does the back line shape up?

Mert Baltacı featured in 2 matches, conceding none and receiving no cards; İlker Jakobs played 37 games, scoring once and picking up 3 yellows. Young full‑backs Dylan Sánchez (43 games, 2 goals, 10 assists) and Victor Nelsson (on loan at Hellas Verona) are listed. Efe Elmali logged 37 games with 4 goals, adding defensive firepower. Mid‑field transition is supported by Kaan Ayhan (25 games, 1 goal) and Alper Bardakçı (43 games, 1 goal) as defensive anchors.

Who controls the midfield?

Midfielders include Gabriel Sara with 6 goals and 5 assists in 41 matches; Luka Şane contributed 7 goals and 8 assists over 40 games. İlkay Gündoğan added 2 goals and 3 assists in 34 appearances. Luis Torreira recorded 3 goals and 4 assists in 44 games. Young talent Efe Arac has not yet taken the field.

How potent is the attack?

Forwards see Victor Osimhen netting 22 goals and 8 assists in 32 matches; Bülent Yılmaz added 10 goals and 13 assists across 44 games. Yusuf Akgün posted 10 goals and 9 assists in 39 outings, diversifying the scoring options. Arda Kutucu managed 0 goals and 1 assist in 12 games. Cem Güneş appeared once without scoring. Osimhen remains the most prolific, delivering a brace in the league's 10th match to secure victory.

Who's out on loan and when will they return?

Victor Nelsson is on loan at Hellas Verona, while César Cuesta plays for Vasco da Gama. Their return dates for the season's end are still undecided. Performances abroad could influence Buruk's squad planning.

What is manager Okan Buruk's strategy?

Buruk aims to blend youth with experience, giving youngsters minutes while maintaining balance with seasoned players. The roster contains 12 domestic, 5 foreign, and 14 loaned or returning players. In the season's opening derby against Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray will likely adopt a defense‑first approach.

When does preparation for the first match begin?

The league kicks off on 12 August 2026; Galatasaray faces Fenerbahçe at home on 15 August. The pre‑season camp concludes on 5 August in Istanbul, setting the stage for final squad decisions.