Lazio want free agent Icardi after Galatasaray adventure

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 2:23 PM ET

Lazio have contacted free agent Mauro Icardi to see if he wants a return to Serie A, claim Sky Sport Italia, after his contract with Galatasaray expired.

The Biancocelesti are known to be looking for a striker and have a very limited budget at their disposal, so are keeping a close eye on free agents.

Icardi approached by Lazio

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)

According to Sky Sport Italia this evening, the Aquile have made contact with his entourage to ask about salary demands.

A big sticking point is that Icardi would prefer to wait until he can find a club in the Champions League, but could be tempted to change his mind for regular playing time.

The Argentine scored 121 goals with 31 assists in 219 Serie A appearances.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 26: Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale claps the hands during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 26, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in November 2024, but still contributed 16 goals in 47 games for Galatasaray last season.

The 33-year-old Argentina international is certainly no stranger to Italian football, as he first came to Sampdoria in 2011 from the Barcelona youth academy.

He was sold to Inter for €13m in 2013, then clashes behind the scenes saw him sold to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

Icardi continued his career with Galatasaray from 2022 until his contract was allowed to run down in June 2026.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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