Galatasaray face Icardi contract dilemma: wages the sticking point, AS Roma sound him out

The story between Mauro Icardi and Galatasaray has returned to centre stage as the year draws to a close. After a prolonged spell of rumours and tension, the Turkish champions have reopened talks over a contract extension for their captain and leading goalscorer,  but on clearly defined terms. According to Turkish daily Fanatik, the proposal on the table is a new two-year deal until 2028, with one of the two seasons optional.

The most sensitive issue is the financial one. As reported, the 32-year-old Argentine would see his annual salary halved from €10m to €5m, a substantial pay cut for Maurito. That backdrop prompted strong shows of support from the Galatasaray fans during the recent match against Kasımpaşa SK, accelerating discussions and pushing the club’s hierarchy back to the negotiating table, albeit strictly on their own conditions.

Icardi’s current contract, signed after his move from Inter, runs until 30 June 2026. On the pitch, however, his impact has remained undiminished despite recovering from a serious knee injury. This season he has clocked up 710 minutes across 16 appearances, scoring nine goals. The numbers are striking: a goal every 79 minutes in the league, despite often starting on the bench, with Victor Osimhen preferred up front.

There is also the broader context of Icardi’s journey in Istanbul. Now in his fourth season with Galatasaray, the Argentine has amassed 70 goals in 110 competitive matches, helping the club to five trophies along the way.

A true icon for the Galatasaray faithful, the board are determined to secure his future and push through a renewal. Yet the market continues to circle. Turkish media report enquiries from AS Roma, Real Oviedo, Elche CF and even tentative interest from River Plate. Offers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, however, have already been turned down.