Mauro Icardi's terms for a new deal at Galatasaray | OneFootball

At 33 years old, with 77 goals and six titles in four seasons, Mauro Icardi became the highest-scoring foreign player in history and an icon of Galatasaray. But his contract expires on June 30, and his future in Istanbul is a mystery and, at the same time, almost a matter of state.

The president of the Turkish club, Dursun Özbek, hinted at negotiations with the Argentine striker: “Icardi has done a lot for Galatasaray. He even turned an entire generation into Galatasaray supporters,” he said. To that end, Elio Letterio Pino, the player’s agent, traveled to the Turkish capital to hear proposals.

In recent hours, it was confirmed that the club is offering him a one-year contract with an option for another year and a salary of five million euros, half of what he currently earns—ten million, of which four correspond to image rights—. “The offer was influenced by financial sustainability policies, the player’s advanced age, and performance criteria,” Fanatik reported.

However, according to HT Spor, “Icardi’s priority is not the financial terms. The Argentine player, who is putting money in the background, set as conditions a two-year contract and being part of a two-striker system alongside Victor Osimhen.” In other words, he wants the continuity he did not have this season, which ended with the conquest of a fourth consecutive league title.

The red-and-yellow side, in an effort to satisfy the former PSG and Inter attacker, included in its offer a clause stating that if he plays 25 matches in the year, the contract renewal will be automatic; that is, it would not depend on an evaluation by the club’s management or coaching staff.

Turkish journalist Nevzat Dindar, a leading figure in coverage of the club and with more than 300,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), was direct: “Icardi wants more than expected. He thinks he turned down many things at the time and chose Galatasaray instead. His expectations are higher.” Dindar also recalled that, at the time, the striker dismissed offers worth double or triple from Saudi Arabia.

Another variable is added to that: coach Okan Buruk plans to strengthen the attack with two new strikers alongside Victor Osimhen, which would reduce Icardi’s prominence to a secondary role. Precisely the opposite of what one of his conditions calls for.

In that scenario, several clubs are monitoring the situation. From the Americas, Brazil’s Fluminense already made an inquiry in February, although it ultimately opted for former Lanús player Rodrigo Castillo. América of Mexico also showed interest in the striker. River Plate appears only tangentially: coach Eduardo Coudet is prioritizing Giovanni Simeone, Torino’s top scorer.

Outside the continent, there are also options: Palm City of Dubai, which next season will compete in the United Arab Emirates Second Division and is looking for high-profile signings, and Amedspor, newly promoted to the Turkish Süper Lig, which wants him as a franchise player.

These last two alternatives would mean moving even farther away from Argentina, his homeland and where his two daughters live (from his relationship with Wanda Nara). In addition, he lives with María Eugenia Suárez, his current partner. Will they agree to move even farther away? Will the inquiries from the Americas tempt them? Or will Icardi’s love affair with Galatasaray continue?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.