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Galatasaray continues its campaign in the Super Lig and Champions League, while Icardi's agent's recent remarks caused discomfort in the yellow-red community.
Icardi's agent, Pino, said, "Galatasaray's captain cannot wait until the end of the season to learn the club's intentions. We will wait for a possible offer until December, after which we reserve the right to make other choices. He has done his best for this magnificent club and its fans and deserves respect."
Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek previously said, "Whether a contract is signed or not is not a matter for today. The club can make a decision on this matter toward the end of the season."
Yellow-red officials, believing Pino's statements were aimed at a salary increase, did not rush. The club planned to wait for the contract decision according to Ozbek's earlier statement. Meanwhile, Italian media reported that Como was interested in Icardi and that the striker could return to Serie A.
Previously, board member Kavukcu had praised Baris Alper Yilmaz as one of the squad's most valuable players over the past three seasons, noting that the club aimed to add new pieces without dismantling the current group. On Mauro Icardi, he had underlined the striker's importance, noting that Icardi’s contract ran until the end of the season and that the club hoped he would stay, with discussions to be held when the time came.
Kavukcu also cited international feedback, saying that figures around players such as Leroy Sané and Ilkay Gundogan, and clubs including Liverpool, had been impressed by Galatasaray's supporters, calling the atmosphere one of the best in the world.
At the same time, Argentine striker Mauro Icardi was reportedly drawing attention from three South American clubs as his contract neared its conclusion. According to Turkish sports media Fanatik, Mexican Club América, Uruguayan side Peñarol, and Argentine club Estudiantes had all shown interest in acquiring the prolific forward.
Since joining Galatasaray in the 2022–2023 season, Icardi had been a key figure in the club’s attacking lineup. In his debut season, he scored 23 goals in 26 appearances, helping Galatasaray secure the league title and quickly becoming a fan favorite. He earned a permanent transfer and continued to excel in the 2023–2024 season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 25 goals and playing a central role in domestic and European campaigns.
However, in November 2024, Icardi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur, which required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Among the interested clubs, Estudiantes reportedly prepared an economically attractive offer to lure Icardi back to Argentina, viewing his European experience as a valuable asset. Club América and Peñarol also monitored the situation, with all three clubs reportedly in contact with Icardi’s management to explore potential moves once his contract with Galatasaray expired.
Galatasaray President Ozbek had addressed the debate, dismissing speculation and controversy surrounding the striker: “We are fully aware of how valuable our captain is. I will not allow any polemic. Damaging Icardi would harm Galatasaray. We are all in this together.” Ozbek also expressed confidence in Icardi’s recovery and return to form: “Icardi will regain his previous strength and excite our fans again. I have absolutely no doubt about that.”
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