Galatasaray S.K. players have received a major financial incentive ahead of their decisive UEFA Champions League game with Liverpool F.C. Club president Dursun Özbek has reportedly promised the squad a €5 million bonus if they eliminate Liverpool and qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.
The decision reportedly came after a suggestion from star striker Victor Osimhen. According to several reports, the forward proposed the figure to the club president inside the dressing room shortly after Galatasaray’s first-leg victory. Özbek agreed to the idea, offering the bonus as an extra motivation ahead of the crucial return leg.
El gol de Mario Lemina contra Liverpool que permite a Galatasaray soñar 💭
Además, este es el primer tanto de su carrera en Champions League ⚽️#Galatasaray #UCL
pic.twitter.com/QibPzPAvkU
— Galatasaray en Español (@GalataSpain) March 13, 2026
A major incentive before the Anfield showdown
The reward is part of a broader bonus system introduced by Galatasaray’s leadership during the club’s European campaign. The squad has already been promised €1.5 million for their win in the Istanbul derby against Beşiktaş J.K. and €2 million for eliminating Juventus F.C. in the Champions League play-offs. Another €1 million has reportedly been set aside for their upcoming domestic match against İstanbul Başakşehir F.K.
According to the club’s plan, if Galatasaray manage to beat Başakşehir and complete the job against Liverpool, the entire bonus package, estimated at around €9.5 million, would be paid directly to the players before the end of the month.
The stakes are particularly high for the Turkish giants. Galatasaray have not reached the Champions League quarter-finals since the 2012-2013 season, making this tie an opportunity to end a long wait for a deep run in Europe’s top club competition.
Galatasaray head into the second leg at Anfield with a narrow advantage after winning the first match 1-0 in Istanbul on March 10. The decisive goal was scored by Mario Lemina, although some reports from live coverage suggested Osimhen may have scored from the penalty spot.
With a place in the quarter-finals on the line and a multi-million-euro reward awaiting them, Galatasaray’s players will travel to Anfield with added motivation as they attempt to finish the job and eliminate Liverpool from the Champions League.
