Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has sharply criticised the way national teams handle players during international duty, warning that recurring injuries may force clubs to rethink their readiness to release key stars — including African internationals.
Speaking after his side’s Champions League loss, Buruk voiced frustration over what he described as careless handling of club-paid athletes by their national federations.
“We are sending players to their national teams, but they don’t value them,” he said. “You pay their wages, yet they use the players however they want. We will recover from our injuries, but now they are going to the Africa Cup again.”
His comments come just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, reigniting debate over club-versus-country tensions. Galatasaray currently have several African players, and concerns about workload and injury risks have heightened as AFCON draws near.
Buruk’s remarks have raised questions about whether the Turkish champions will willingly release Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen — a crucial figure for the Super Eagles — should he complete his expected move to the club.
While Buruk stopped short of naming any player, his pointed criticism underscores the strain European clubs face during mid-season tournaments. With AFCON scheduled for January, managers across Europe have long argued that losing top talents during decisive periods places clubs at a competitive disadvantage.
