With record-breaking signings like Victor Osimhen and the arrival of established names like İlkay Gündoğan, the club’s squad is deeper, more star-studded—but also more bloated. If Galatasaray wants to stay agile, competitive, and financially sustainable, tough choices must follow. In this article, AnxiScore will guide you through which players Galatasaray should consider offloading, and why those decisions could define their 2025–26 campaign.
The context: why Galatasaray must sell
Galatasaray didn’t simply want to strengthen — they exploded onto the transfer market. Their arrival of Victor Osimhen for a Turkish-record fee signals that the club is aiming not just to dominate domestically but to step into European heavyweights’ territory. The arrivals of Wilfried Singo, Uğurcan Çakır, and İlkay Gündoğan add layers of experience and depth.
That said, building a star-studded squad raises multiple challenges:
- Squad balance & playing time — Many players could be stuck warming the bench.
- Wage budget pressure — High-earners on contract can strain finances.
- Future profitability — To reinvest, Galatasaray will need outgoing sales.
- Regulation & registration issues — UEFA and domestic rules may limit squads or non-locals.
Thus, the real question is not just who could leave, but which sales make sense—both on and off the pitch.
Criteria for deciding who to sell
Before naming individuals, let’s agree on criteria. Galatasaray should prioritize letting go of:
- High-wage players underperforming — Expensive but failing to justify cost.
- Positional redundancy — Players blocked by star signings.
- Limited resale or resale value — Older players with little market interest.
- Contract expiration or loan returns — Easiest paths to free up space.
- Underutilized younger assets — Those who could thrive elsewhere and bring in a fee.
Using those filters, we can identify prime candidates.
Who to sell: the prime candidates
Here is a shortlist of players Galatasaray should seriously consider selling or loaning out:
1. Przemysław Frankowski (Right-Back / Wingback)
Frankowski’s loan. He’s already not guaranteed a starting spot with Singo and other defenders in the mix. Letting him go permanently or on another loan could free wages and open space in the backline.
2. Ismail Jakobs (Left-Back / Wingback)
Jakobs returned. kipedia]) With competition from Eren Elmalı, Kazımcan Karataş, and others, his minutes will be limited. This is a chance to cash in (reported ~€8 million valuation) and reduce squad congestion.
3. Kerem Demirbay / certain midfielders with low impact
Some midfielders have failed to make their mark and are dispensable. If they command significant wages but rarely start, Galatasaray would do well to cut them loose or convert them into loan opportunities.
4. Older squad members with minimal upside
Players like Dries Mertens (retired/contract expiry) and Muslera are already out or at natural ends. But beyond those, any veteran whose performance is in decline and whose contract burdens the wage book should be on the chopping block.
5. Young assets in need of playing time
Young players who are blocked by new signings might benefit.
Risks and caveats: what to watch out for
Selling big names isn’t risk-free. Galatasaray must be cautious about:
- Losing squad depth — Injuries and fixture congestion demand backup options.
- Worsening morale — Letting popular players go without clarity may disrupt dressing room harmony.
- Undervaluing assets — Selling hastily at fire-sale prices weakens long-term finances.
- Market timing — Waiting too long may reduce buyer interest; too early may limit driver bidding wars.
Every planned sale should consider the balance of immediate gain vs. strategic depth.
Optimal selling strategy & timing
Here’s how Galatasaray should phase these sales:
| Phase | Who | Justification | What to secure first |
| Early window | Jakobs, Frankowski | Clean up redundancy | Do deals before preseason; reinvest in key areas |
| Mid-window | Low-impact midfielders | Gauge interest and negotiate | Use loan-to-buy options |
| Late window | Young talents blocked in squad | Let them depart if no path forward | Be flexible on fees |
This staggered approach ensures that key transfers in and out don’t overlap awkwardly, and that the core team remains stable heading into competition.
Why these sales strengthen Galatasaray’s future
- They free wage room to accommodate stars like Osimhen, Singo, and Gündoğan.
- They reduce internal friction by ensuring more players are genuinely needed.
- They generate transfer liquidity for mid-window reinforcement or emergency signings.
- They allow young talents to grow elsewhere, widening the club’s network and goodwill.
- They streamline squad management under UEFA and Turkish league constraints.
By selling smartly, Galatasaray isn’t shrinking — it’s sharpening.
Conclusion
Who should Galatasaray sell? In our view, the club should look to offload or loan out Przemysław Frankowski, Ismail Jakobs, underperforming midfielders, aging contracted players, and blocked young talents. Doing so will preserve squad balance, free wages, and create reinvestment opportunities.
At this pivotal moment, AnxiScore invites fans and readers to keep watching: every move in this transfer window could reshape Galatasaray’s European fate. Want lineups, rumors, or deep dives on incoming stars? Let us know — we’ll be following every twist.
