No harm in dreaming: Argentine journalist says São Paulo eyed star | OneFootball

Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, 33, has reportedly emerged as a potential signing for São Paulo in the upcoming transfer window.

The information was reported on Tuesday (15) by journalist Nahuel Ferreira, from the neighboring country, through his social media channels.

Currently a free agent, the center-forward is evaluating job offers for the next stage of his career and, according to sources, views the possibility of playing in South American football positively for family reasons, which makes the Brazilian market a viable alternative.

According to what AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR has learned, so far São Paulo’s approach is being treated as a preliminary inquiry to understand the conditions of a potential deal. No official offer has been made to the player’s representatives.

However, sources within São Paulo’s leadership admit that the figures reported by the Argentine star’s agents discourage any progress in negotiations, given that the Morumbi club is going through a delicate financial period.

International competition and financial obstacle

Despite the Morumbi club’s interest, the work required to make Icardi’s signing possible is considered complex and faces strong outside competition.

The player has active offers to continue his career in Turkish football (he played for Galatasaray last season), in addition to formal inquiries from three European clubs.

Salary demands: The wages sought by the player are above the ceiling set by São Paulo’s board;

Current situation: The offers received by Icardi so far have also not reached the financial level desired by the player, who is seeking a contract consistent with his track record in international football.

Financial austerity policy at Morumbi

São Paulo’s move for players who are free agents aligns with the football department’s current policy of austerity and cost control.

The board is prioritizing deals that do not require the payment of economic rights to other clubs, a model recently used to move forward with the arrivals of center-back Domingos Duarte and full-back Aurélio Buta.

Even without transfer costs, the projected wage bill for a player of Mauro Icardi’s stature would require marketing maneuvering or support from commercial partners so as not to compromise the club’s cash flow for the rest of 2026, given that São Paulo’s debt could hit R$ 1 billion this year.

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