"Galatasaray" has officially confirmed that it will complete the 2025/26 season of the Turkish Super League as the champion, with one week remaining. The "yellow-reds," who have won their 4th consecutive championship, aim to reach at least the quarter-final stage of the UEFA Champions League next season.
Medianews.az reports that for this purpose, the Istanbul representative, which has started squad planning for the next three seasons, has also defined its main transfer strategy.
Wanting to strengthen its squad with at least one central defender, "Galatasaray" has turned its attention to England. The club looks more determined this time to add Virgil van Dijk, who has long been on the transfer agenda.
According to claims from the English media, the parties have already reached an agreement. It is reported that the Galatasaray management has reached a common ground with the 34-year-old defender regarding the annual salary and other details. Currently, it is emphasized that negotiations are ongoing between "Liverpool" and "Galatasaray" over the transfer fee.
Virgil van Dijk continues to send messages on social media as well. The experienced footballer, who has been linked with "Galatasaray" for some time, recently commented with a flame emoji and liked the championship posts of his Netherlands national teammate Noa Lang about "Galatasaray."
"Galatasaray" does not give up on the Manuel Ugarte transfer. The probability of the Uruguayan defensive midfielder, whom the club wanted to add in the winter break but could not, leaving "Manchester United" in the summer has led to the process restarting.
Alongside Lucas Torreira, the yellow-reds want to build a stronger midfield, and after Ugarte gave positive signals, they have begun to seek common ground. It is reported that there have been no problems in talks with the 25-year-old player, and the club is waiting for the sum that "Manchester United" will demand. If the required transfer fee is high, "Galatasaray" may also consider the option of loaning the player.
Head coach Okan Buruk plans to use two out of the three—Torreira, Ugarte, and Lemina—in the starting lineup. It is noted that he especially wants to use Mario Lemina in a joker role to build a more dynamic midfield.
According to sources close to the club, the transfer closest to being completed right now is Manuel Ugarte.
Not only "Galatasaray," but many clubs from both Turkey and Europe have shown interest in Bernardo Silva, and the Istanbul representative has prepared a serious financial offer for him. After the departure of Dries Mertens, the club wants to solve the attacking midfielder problem and has offered the Portuguese star an annual salary of approximately 15 million euros.
It is reported that the 31-year-old player, who sent a departure message to "Manchester City" and has no transfer fee problem, has started to consider "Galatasaray"'s offer. It is noted that Silva is first waiting for news from "Barcelona."
If "Barcelona" does not allocate enough salary budget and steps back regarding Bernardo Silva's transfer, "Galatasaray" could come to the forefront in this transfer.
Bernardo Silva, who achieved success in both England and Europe for many years under the leadership of Pep Guardiola with "Manchester City," is especially believed to raise the level of "Galatasaray" in the Champions League.//Qaynarinfo