Galatasaray supporters celebrate after the football club was crowned champion of Turkey's top division for a record 22nd time on May 19, 2019 in Istanbul. - Galatasaray sealed their 22nd Turkish league title with a dramatic 2-1 win over nearest challengers Istanbul Basaksehir in a capital-city derby marred by violence. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)
Galatasaray is preparing to send shockwaves through European football once again. Following the high-profile arrivals of Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, and İlkay Gündoğan, the Turkish champions have reportedly turned their sights toward Anfield for a massive “double operation.”
The Galatasaray board, led by President Dursun Özbek, is working on an ambitious plan to sign Liverpool icons Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this summer, sources have told Turkish-Football.
The “General” for the Defense
President Özbek has long harbored a “dream” of bringing a world-class leader to the heart of the Lions’ defense. Virgil van Dijk has emerged as the primary target. The 34-year-old Dutch captain, whose contract is nearing its final stages, reportedly gave a “green light” to the idea of a move after being mesmerized by the atmosphere at RAMS Park during recent Champions League encounters.
The “Osimhen factor” is also playing a role; the two stars reportedly shared a private dialogue following their recent European clash, where Van Dijk expressed his admiration for the passion of the Galatasaray faithful. To facilitate the move, the club is even leveraging the “Ömer Bayram factor”—the former Galatasaray player and close friend of Van Dijk—to act as an unofficial intermediary.
Salah: Seeking a New Peak
On the offensive front, Mohamed Salah is the centerpiece of the “Liverpool Package.” The Egyptian King has reportedly decided to end his historic eight-year tenure at Liverpool following a season marked by tactical friction with manager Arne Slot.
With Salah set to become a free agent this summer, Galatasaray is positioning itself as the elite alternative to the Saudi Pro League. The board believes that the prospect of a frontline featuring Salah, Osimhen, and Icardi would not only dominate the Süper Lig but make Galatasaray a top-tier contender for the 2027 Champions League title.
A Legacy of Success
Between them, Salah and Van Dijk have won nine major trophies at Liverpool, including the Champions League and Premier League. Galatasaray management believes their existing “on-pitch telepathy” would provide an instant boost to the squad’s chemistry.