Roma test waters as Icardi & Galatasaray tussle over renewal | OneFootball

Mauro Icardi’s future at Galatasaray has returned to the spotlight as negotiations over a new contract stall, opening the door to interest from abroad, including tentative enquiries from Roma.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Galatasaray have reopened talks with their captain and leading scorer over a renewal, but under significantly revised terms. The proposed deal would extend Icardi’s stay until 2028, although one of the two additional seasons would be optional.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JANUARY 25: Mauro Icardi of Galatasaray celebrates during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Istanbulspor at Rams Park on January 25, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

The main sticking point is financial. Galatasaray are seeking a sharp reduction in Icardi’s salary, reportedly offering €5 million per year compared to his current €10 million. While the Argentine remains a central figure on the pitch, the club are pushing for sustainability as a condition for extending his contract.

Icardi in talks with Galatasaray as Roma, River Plate & Oviedo wait

Icardi’s current deal runs until June 2026, and despite a serious knee injury earlier in his Galatasaray spell, his impact has remained decisive. This season he has scored nine goals in just 710 minutes across 16 appearances, an average of one goal every 79 minutes, often coming off the bench with Victor Osimhen starting ahead of him.

Overall, Icardi has now amassed 70 goals in 110 matches for Galatasaray, winning five trophies and cementing his status as a fan favourite.

epa10872447 Galatasaray’s Mauro Icardi reacts during the UEFA Champions Legaue group A match between Galatasaray and Copenhagen in Istanbul, Turkey, 20 September 2023. EPA-EFE/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Supporters publicly backed the Argentine during the recent match against Kasimpasa, prompting Galatasaray’s hierarchy to accelerate talks, albeit without shifting their economic stance.

That uncertainty has not gone unnoticed elsewhere. Alongside Roma, clubs such as Oviedo, Elche and River Plate have reportedly made exploratory contact, while lucrative offers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia have already been turned down.