The comments came during ceremonies commemorating the 121st anniversary of the club’s founding and the memory of founder Ali Sami Yen. Özbek addressed the urgent situation regarding the Match Referees Committee (MHK), whose president, Ferhat Gündoğdu, is currently in custody. A key referee regularly assigned to high-profile derbies has also been arrested, with statements emerging that are causing significant concern within the football community.
“The league is set to start in a week, and there’s no MHK,” Özbek said. “Its president has been arrested, and a referee has been arrested… Silence is not a good sign. The situation needs to be clarified as soon as possible.” Özek noted that Galatasaray had previously warned the TFF about the need for structural changes, arguing that had these measures been implemented in time, the current chaotic state would have been avoided. He emphasized that while the club will play its scheduled match on Friday, the TFF must urgently define how league management will proceed in the absence of its key officials.
Transfer Strategy: Fernandes Priority, Musiala Dismissed
Turning to the summer transfer window, Özbek addressed widespread speculation linking Bayern Munich teenager Jamal Musiala to a move to Istanbul. The Galatasaray boss firmly denied the reports, stating that the Germany international is “not on the agenda.”
“I face the same things every year. People always ask, ‘Where are the transfers? What’s happening?’ In the end, we complete our transfers, and we have been champions for four years,” Özbek said, adding that he is “never affected by social media pressure.” While Galatasaray officially rejected claims of an agreement with Musiala or Bayern Munich, the club is actively pursuing Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes as its primary target for the No. 10 role.
Özbek indicated that the club is prepared to wait until the final stages of the transfer period to secure Fernandes, viewing the 31-year-old Portugal international as the ideal candidate to suit the team’s tactical needs. “If we are going to sign someone, it should be the best,” Özek stated. “I want this transfer very much.” In the interim, Galatasaray is reportedly focusing on loan deals with buy options for other positions to avoid unnecessary expenditure while the Fernandes situation remains unresolved.
Champions League Ambitions and Squad Security
Galatasaray’s European campaign has also been a focal point for the club leadership. Following the UEFA Champions League league-phase draw in Monaco, Özek expressed optimism despite a demanding fixture list that includes Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Aston Villa, and Sporting CP.
“Galatasaray loves a challenge,” Özek said. “When you play in the Champions League, an easy draw simply isn’t possible.” The president also welcomed the qualification of cross-town rivals Fenerbahçe, noting that increased participation boosts the overall brand value of Turkish football. Regarding squad security, Özek sent a clear message to interested parties, including Arsenal, insisting that star striker Victor Osimhen is not for sale.
The club’s immediate focus remains on securing the fifth consecutive league title, a goal Özek described as being of “immense importance” this season. With no easy matches in the domestic schedule, the Yellow-Reds aim to build on their previous European success while navigating the administrative turbulence currently affecting Turkish football.
