Sport
Galatasaray Plans to Sign Gift Orban to Replace Injured Icardi
Galatasaray, the reigning champions of Turkey’s Super Lig, are reportedly eyeing Lyon forward Gift Orban as a potential replacement for injured striker Mauro Icardi, according to Fanatik.
Icardi, who joined Galatasaray from Paris Saint-Germain, has been a key figure for the team this season.
However, his campaign has been cut short after suffering a serious ACL injury just before the international break, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
With Icardi’s absence creating a gap in their attacking lineup, Galatasaray is actively pursuing a new forward to strengthen their squad.
Gift Orban, the 22-year-old Nigerian forward, has emerged as a top target for the Turkish club.
Orban, who made a move to Lyon from Belgian side KAA Gent in January, has been impressing since his arrival in France.
Although his time at Lyon has been brief, Orban has already shown his goal-scoring prowess, netting two goals in just five appearances for the club.
His performance has caught the attention of Galatasaray’s management, who see him as a potential long-term solution to fill Icardi’s shoes.
Galatasaray’s interest in Orban highlights the club’s ambition to maintain their competitive edge both domestically and in European competitions.
The Turkish giants are looking for a striker with the ability to make an immediate impact, and Orban fits the bill with his strong physicality, speed, and finishing ability.
Lionel Messi says he’s heading into this year’s FIFA Club World Cup with a fresh perspective as he gears up to represent Inter Miami on the global stage. The Herons are set to begin their campaign at the Hard Rock Stadium against Egyptian side Al Ahly, in what will be the first-ever expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.
Messi, who has already won the Club World Cup three times with Barcelona, admitted that things feel different this time around. “It’s a special tournament and I’m excited to be part of it again,” he said. “But my mindset is different now compared to when I played it with other teams. Still, I feel energized and hopeful. I’m ready to compete against top teams and give my best.”
This will mark Messi’s fourth appearance at the Club World Cup, but his first with an MLS side, making it a milestone moment for both him and Inter Miami.
Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to make Victor Osimhen the highest-paid player in Turkish football history if he chooses to remain with the club. The Nigerian striker had a sensational 2024/2025 season on loan in Istanbul, scoring 37 goals and delivering eight assists in just 41 games. His efforts helped Galatasaray clinch both the Turkish Super Lig title and the Turkish Cup.
While Osimhen has yet to confirm where he’ll play next season, Galatasaray are eager to keep him. In the meantime, they’ve added German winger Leroy Sane to their squad on a free transfer from Bayern Munich. Sane is expected to earn €12 million per season after tax, currently the highest salary in the Turkish league.
But Galatasaray are reportedly ready to go even further for Osimhen. The club is willing to offer him €15 million a year after tax—significantly more than what Sane will earn. Osimhen has already turned down a massive deal from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were ready to pay him €40 million per year plus €5 million in bonuses, showing he’s weighing more than just money in his decision.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, believes Ousmane Dembélé has done more than enough to earn this year’s Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has been in top form throughout the 2025 season, scoring 25 goals and playing a key part in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic trophy sweep. PSG ended the season with wins in Ligue 1, the Champions League, Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions.
In a chat with Le Figaro, Diallo said, “He might just be the favourite. Dembélé has had a remarkable season.” He added that it’s great to see two French stars—Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé—being serious contenders for the award, but made it clear Dembélé truly deserves the top prize.
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