Istanbul, Turkey – Galatasaray, fresh off securing their fourth consecutive Süper Lig title, are turning their attention to bolstering their defensive options ahead of the modern season. The club is reportedly planning to add both a Turkish and an international center-back to complement the existing partnership of Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Davinson Sanchez.
The need for reinforcement stems from the anticipated departure of Victor Nelsson, who is expected to move on loan. This leaves Galatasaray seeking to strengthen a position that will be crucial as they prepare for another challenging campaign, including Champions League commitments. The club’s strategy involves finding a balance between strengthening the squad and managing financial constraints, aiming for players who offer significant value without breaking the bank.
One key change in tactical approach will see Brazilian right-back, Carlos Vinícius Singo, shifted to a more permanent role on the right flank. This adjustment further emphasizes the need for a solid defensive core, with Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Davinson Sanchez forming the base of that structure.
Ozan Kabak: A Return to Istanbul?
The first name linked with a move to Galatasaray is Ozan Kabak. The 26-year-old defender has rediscovered his form with Hoffenheim, becoming a regular starter and earning a recall to the Turkish national team. Having previously come through Galatasaray’s youth academy and even enjoyed a stint with Liverpool, Kabak is a familiar face to the club’s supporters.
According to reports, Galatasaray is keen to bring the defender back to Istanbul on a free transfer, as his contract with Hoffenheim is set to expire at the finish of the current season. This presents an attractive opportunity for the club to acquire a proven talent without incurring a transfer fee or significant signing bonus. Negotiations with Kabak and his representatives are reportedly already underway.
Van Dijk Dream Continues
Alongside the pursuit of Ozan Kabak, Galatasaray continues to harbor ambitions of signing Virgil van Dijk, the experienced Liverpool center-back. The 34-year-old remains a commanding presence in the Liverpool defense, consistently delivering strong performances despite his age.
Van Dijk reportedly developed a good rapport with Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk and club officials during Champions League encounters between the two teams. With Liverpool potentially undergoing a squad overhaul and focusing on younger players, rumors suggest that Van Dijk could be available at the end of the season. Securing a player of Van Dijk’s caliber would be a significant coup for Galatasaray, adding both quality and experience to their backline.
The pursuit of Van Dijk, however, presents a challenge. His wages are substantial, and Galatasaray will need to carefully consider the financial implications of such a signing. The club will likely explore options to structure a deal that aligns with their budgetary constraints.
Abdülkerim Bardakcı: A Cornerstone of the Defense
Central to Galatasaray’s defensive plans is Abdülkerim Bardakcı. The 31-year-old has become a key figure for both Galatasaray and the Turkish national team. Bardakcı joined Galatasaray in 2022 from Konyaspor and has quickly established himself as a reliable and commanding presence in the heart of the defense. He has made 89 appearances for Galatasaray, scoring 10 goals as of June 16, 2025, and has earned 25 caps for Turkey as of March 26, 2026, netting twice.
His partnership with Davinson Sanchez has been a cornerstone of Galatasaray’s success, and the club is keen to provide them with quality backup and competition for places. The potential arrivals of Ozan Kabak and Virgil van Dijk would significantly enhance the depth and quality of Galatasaray’s defensive options.
Galatasaray’s proactive approach to strengthening their defense demonstrates their ambition to continue competing at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. The club’s management is clearly focused on building a squad capable of sustaining success and challenging for major honors.
The coming months will be crucial as Galatasaray navigates the transfer market and seeks to secure the services of their primary defensive targets. The successful addition of both a Turkish and an international center-back would undoubtedly strengthen their squad and provide manager Okan Buruk with a wealth of options.
Galatasaray will next face [Opponent] on [Date] at [Time] in [Competition]. This match will provide a further indication of the team’s form and preparations for the upcoming season. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and developments through the club’s official website and social media channels.
