Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has stirred the football world by declaring that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is currently outperforming Manchester City’s star forward, Erling Haaland.
Haaland, widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the game, has already scored 15 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions this season for Manchester City.
However, Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has netted eight goals in just nine games, delivering impressive performances for the Turkish Super Lig champions.
Buruk, speaking to Turkish outlet Assist Analiz, boldly suggested that Osimhen is the superior striker at the moment, pointing to his recent form and contribution to Galatasaray.
“There are not many elite strikers in Europe,” Buruk remarked. “Haaland may come to mind first, but since Manchester City have lost in recent weeks, I would say Osimhen is the best right now.”
The manager’s comments highlight the Nigerian’s impact since arriving in Turkey. Despite Haaland’s incredible consistency and Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League and Europe, Buruk’s appraisal adds fuel to the ever-ongoing debate about who reigns supreme in world football’s striking department.
With Osimhen thriving in Galatasaray’s colors and Haaland maintaining his prolific form in England, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds. Could this be a glimpse of a future rivalry between two of the game’s brightest stars?