Galatasaray's Leroy Sane heavily criticised after near-embarrassment against Corum FK. The Turkish champions nearly suffered an embarrassing home result against promoted side Corum FK. Sane delivered a complete disappointment in the 2-2 draw and made way shortly before the end.
What happened?
Sane's body language is said to be "terrible, and his performance is even worse! It almost seems as if it would be better if he were not involved at all." Sane, who joined Galatasaray on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in summer 2025, is coming off a mixed first season in Istanbul. So far he has failed to meet the high expectations, and the start of his second campaign has now gone badly wrong too.
Why it matters for Heart of Midlothian
Alexandros Kyziridis, who had only moved from Heart of Midlothian in Scotland to the north of Turkey a few days ago, made it 1-1 in the 59th minute with a stunning long-range strike. The Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen at least limited the damage. The Nigeria striker star had put Galatasaray ahead in the 53rd minute, but the visitors from Corum hit back quickly.
What comes next?
Galatasaray centre-back Davinson Sanchez made a fatal mistake in the build-up: as the last man in a duel with visiting striker Jesus Ramirez, Sanchez played a backpass to keeper Ugurcan Cakir that was far too short. Ramirez chased it down, kept his cool against Sanchez and the advancing Cakir, and finished with a lob. GettyGalatasaray had to dig deep to avoid a complete false start. From the 70th minute, the serial champions had a numerical advantage after Corum equaliser scorer Kyziridis was sent off for a horror foul. With no need whatsoever, the attacker stamped with his studs showing into Yunus Akgün's Achilles tendon near the halfway line and immediately put his hands over his head because he knew what was coming. Referee Batuhan Kolak was absolutely right to show Kyziridis the red card.
New competition for Leroy Sane?
With a man extra, the hosts poured forward but had to wait until shortly before the end for their reward. In the 90th minute, Osimhen headed in Gabriel Sara's corner for the final 2-2. Following the disappointing opening, calls for further new signings around Galatasaray only grew louder. "I think Galatasaray need three to four reinforcements in attack in the final three weeks of the transfer window. At least one centre-forward, one playmaker and one winger," said Ugur Meleke of Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, among those calling for a new rival for Sane in the wide areas. Coach Okan Buruk also offered food for thought: "This week is an important week. It will be important for us to make new signings this week. Both with regard to the size of the squad and internal competition and the players who can come from within the club ... we have many gaps in attack." There is still a need for "reinforcements for the positions behind the striker, in the centre and on the wings, especially in attack", Buruk said. As for attacking reinforcements, Galatasaray have so far signed only two new players. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Premiership, 70 pts, 21W-7D-5L from 33 games, recent form LWDWW. Goals this season: 58 scored, 28 conceded (+30 goal difference). Lead at the top: 1 point clear of Rangers.
